The “golden thread” receives a detailed examination

The UK government has recently published its response to the consultation on the new safety regime for occupied higher-risk buildings.

This consultation covered the “golden thread information” and duties on accountable persons.

The full details of the government’s response can be found here.

A look back at the consultation

On 20 July 2022, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities released a consultation to gather opinions on improving the building safety regime for occupied higher-risk buildings.

The new regime was essential to Dame Judith Hackitt’s recommendations after the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

These recommendations focused on enhancing fire and structural safety risks in high-rise multi-occupied residential buildings.

The consultation addressed residents’ rights to have a significant say in the management of their building’s safety.

It explored the type of information accountable persons will provide, the “golden thread information” necessary to maintain building safety, and the duties of accountable persons.

Accountability and legislation

The new framework aims to ensure stronger oversight, better enforcement, and sanctions to address non-compliance.

It establishes clear legal responsibilities for those involved in the design, construction, and management of higher-risk buildings.

The duties on accountable persons to deliver this information are now being processed via secondary legislation.

Public participation and insights

The consultation ran for twelve weeks, ending on 12 October 2022. Responses varied, with a diverse range of stakeholders weighing in, including local authorities, developers, and residents.

The contents of the “golden thread” section drew 63 responses, with feedback from organisations and private individuals.

The section on the duties of the accountable persons to provide information saw 52 responses.

Summary and way forward

All responses were reviewed and have influenced the development of new regulations.

Some policies have been amended based on the feedback to ensure the new regime meets its safety objectives effectively.

The regulations are now under parliamentary review and, if approved, will be implemented later in 2023.

IFSJ Comment

The recent release of the UK government’s response to the consultation on the “golden thread information” is a testament to the collaborative efforts between government, industry professionals, and residents.

By ensuring a more transparent and accountable system for building safety, the government is taking a significant step towards safeguarding its residents.

The extensive feedback, diversity of respondents, and the comprehensive nature of the “golden thread” underline its pivotal role in the new building safety regime.