Introduction to the new building safety regime

In a recent debate in the House of Lords, the Local Government Association (LGA) highlighted the priority of ensuring that every tenant has access to a safe and high-quality home, emphasising the need for swift action to address risks, particularly from lithium-ion batteries​​.

The introduction of the Building Safety Act was welcomed, which initiates a new safety regime to avoid tragedies like the Grenfell Tower fire.

However, clarity is sought on the functioning of this regime, set to commence in April 2024​​.

Building Safety Act: Key reforms and concerns

The Building Safety Act introduced significant reforms, such as establishing the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) within the Health and Safety Executive to oversee safety in residential buildings over 18 meters.

It also required new buildings to undergo three safety regulatory gateways.

However, the LGA expressed disappointment that only buildings over 18 meters were subject to the new regime, overlooking the risk in smaller structures​​.

Challenges in implementing the building safety regime

Uncertainties remain regarding the prioritisation of buildings within the BSR’s review programme and the specific measures needed to manage fire safety risks.

Concerns are raised about the cost implications for councils if additional safety features like sprinkler systems are required.

Additionally, the coordination of joint inspections in mixed-use buildings presents challenges, with potential financial strains on fire and rescue services​​.

Financial implications of fire safety measures

The LGA estimates that achieving building safety standards in council housing will cost around £7.7 billion.

While some funding has been provided by the government, concerns persist that the burden of these costs will fall on already stretched councils and housing associations.

The LGA advocates for construction industry accountability in fixing fire safety defects and for social landlords to have complete access to remediation funds​​.

Impact on Housing Revenue Accounts and broader social housing goals

Councils’ Housing Revenue Accounts (HRAs) face significant pressures due to the need to balance a range of priorities, including fire safety, energy efficiency, and social housing construction.

The current social housing funding regime, in place since 2012, is deemed outdated and inadequate to meet these challenges, necessitating a review and a new sustainable funding framework​​.

Building a new generation of high-quality social homes

The LGA emphasises the importance of a substantial shift in social housing provision to address the housing crisis.

With over 1.2 million households on waiting lists and nearly 106,000 in temporary accommodation, the LGA calls for a six-point plan.

This plan includes rolling out five-year local housing deals, establishing a national council housebuilding taskforce, and ensuring long-term rent certainty to facilitate the construction of 100,000 high-quality, climate-friendly social homes annually​​.

Risks from e-bikes and e-scooters

Lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes and e-scooters pose significant fire risks.

The LGA supports the Safety of Electric-Powered Micromobility Vehicles and Lithium Batteries Bill, which proposes safety assessments, regulations for battery disposal, and a comprehensive fire safety system for these devices​​.

Disposable vapes: A rising fire hazard

Disposable vapes, powered by lithium-ion batteries, have contributed to an alarming increase in fires at recycling plants.

The LGA supports banning disposable vapes, as the large volume of vapes produced and the complexity of recycling their batteries pose substantial fire risks and financial burdens​​.

IFSJ Comment

The House of Lords debate on fire safety reveals a complex web of challenges facing councils, from the implementation of the new building safety regime to the financial strains on housing and fire safety initiatives.

The concerns raised highlight the critical need for clarity and support in adapting to these new safety standards.

The debate underscores the pressing necessity for sustainable solutions in building safety, fire risk management, particularly from new technologies, and the provision of adequate social housing.

This scenario paints a comprehensive picture of the interconnected nature of housing, safety, and social welfare, necessitating a multifaceted and well-coordinated response from all stakeholders involved.