The Grenfell disaster put fire and building safety into the spotlight for all of the wrong reasons. However, the Government is now taking action in light of the final report from the official Inquiry. They will make tough reforms to enhance safety and accountability. We want to take a closer look at the Government’s response and what it means for stakeholders. Then, if you need help with fire risk assessments in Middlesbrough, you can rely on our team of experts.
Reforms
The Grenfell Tower Inquiry gave 58 recommendations following their investigation into the factors that led to the devastating fire. Their aim is to ensure such a tragedy can’t happen again.
Most importantly, the Inquiry found issues with regulations, the complexity and fragmentation of the construction industry, and a lack of understanding in regards to a fire safety strategy. So, their recommendations include:
- Creation of a single regulator for the construction industry so there is more accountability.
- Changing the definition of high risk buildings to give more clarity to developers, designers, and owners.
- Recognising the profession of fire engineers and improving regulation.
Ensuring unqualified professionals can’t make fire safety decisions; all assessors will therefore have to get certification to show their competence. - Making a fire risk strategy a statutory requirement so a registered fire engineer must produce one.
- More controls for the assessment and certification of building products, as well as their use.
The list of recommendations is very long, but seeks to make huge reforms to the industry to improve standards and safety. In their full response at the end of February, the Government said they will act on all 58 recommendations, many of them in full as is. It will mean big changes, but we’ll be ready to help any clients who need fire risk assessments in Middlesbrough.
Government’s comments
Commenting on the decision to act on all of the recommendations, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner had some strong words. She said the Grenfell Tower disaster “should never have happened”. The Inquiry’s report reveals “shocking industry behaviour and wider failures”. As a result, the Government will take “tough action” so they can “drive change and reform the system”. This will ensure that no other community ever has to deal with such a deep injustice.
Rayner went on to say that the Government’s plans will ensure “greater accountability, stronger regulation, and putting residents at the heart of decision making”. It will mean fundamental change to the construction sector and others.
The Government also formally apologised for their part in the failings. They will introduce significant changes to ensure mistakes don’t happen again.
Reforms will come in stages throughout the course of the current Parliament. This will include delivering their current programme in 25/26. There will then be a two year second phase to develop wider reforms. Finally, starting in 2028, they will implement them
Do you need help with fire risk assessments in Middlesbrough?
ABC Fire Safety & Security is a reliable company if you need any help. We have highly trained people and fantastic credentials. We’ll do a comprehensive non-invasive assessment of your property, checking for any fire hazards and providing recommendations where necessary. We’re impartial and honest, ensuring you have all the relevant details to improve safety. Plus, we can provide things like fire door inspections and more.
So, speak to us if you want to arrange fire risk assessments in Middlesbrough. Please keep in mind they are required by the law for various properties. The reforms could make them even more important in the future too.
