Building Regulations "unfit for purpose" - Grenfell Review

The chair of an independent review into Building Regulations and fire safety has found that the regulatory system for safely designing, constructing and managing buildings is not fit for purpose.

Dame Judith Hackitt, who was appointed by government to lead an Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety following the Grenfell fire, has published her interim findings today (December 18 2017). She calls for a “universal shift in culture” to significantly improve the way that fire safety is assured and to rebuild trust amongst residents of high-rise buildings.

Dame Judith wants the construction industry, building owners, regulators and government to come together to address the “shortcomings” identified so far.

The interim report finds that:

* a culture change is required - with industry taking greater responsibility for what is built - this change needs to start now

* the current system for ensuring fire safety in high rise buildings is not fit for purpose

* a clear, quick and effective route for residents to raise concerns and be listened to, must be created

“I have found that the regulatory system for safely designing, constructing and managing buildings is not fit for purpose,” said Dame Judith. “The current …