News Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 Report: Critical Recommendations and Industry Impact

Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 Report: Critical Recommendations and Industry Impact

News, Press Releases

September 04, 2024

Andrew Mellor, Partner at PRP, and Technical Advisor on Building Regulations to the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, comments:

“The executive summary of the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report makes damning reading and is critical of several bodies and organisations for their conduct before the tragedy. The full report is expected to be even more so.

“The recommendations for change and improvement are wide and far reaching. If adopted, many of the recommendations will bring significant change, but implementation could take years. As a practice, we welcome the proposal for the ARB and RIBA to review the sufficiency of the competency changes they have already implemented for architects. I have advocated for a single regulator for Building Safety for several years; we do not have that today, even with the Building Safety Regulator.

“The inquiry recommendations go further and propose a single construction regulator responsible for construction product regulations, testing, fire risk assessor accreditations, building control oversight, and the licensing of contractors to work on Higher Risk Buildings (HRB). This is huge and impacts both current responsibilities and those planned for various government departments. While it's a sensible proposal, it will require a lot of resources to implement. I anticipate it will take at least two years before it can become operational.

“We also welcome the proposal to review all Approved Documents, including Approved Document B fire safety, to ensure clarity and that they are fit for purpose. The proposal for a statement in the statutory guidance documents that says reliance on the guidance will not necessarily ensure compliance with Building Regulations is one that will be worrisome for many designers and contractors.

“The proposed national register of contractors for HRBs will be welcomed by clients. But will many contractors sign up when a director has to personally guarantee that the building constructed is as safe as required by the Building Regulations? We will see.

“There is much more to review, and the full report will need to be thoroughly examined to fully grasp the implications of the findings and recommendations.”