The Welsh Government has issued guidance regarding fire safety remediation for residential buildings over 11 metres in height.

This significant update, part of the Welsh Building Safety Programme, aims to enhance the safety and security of residents in Wales.

Fire safety a top priority in Wales

Fire safety remains a key focus for the Welsh Government, as evidenced by the ongoing development of the Building Safety Programme.

The newly released guidance outlines a clear path for remediation of fire safety issues linked to the construction of residential buildings taller than 11 metres.

Crucially, the costs for these remedial works will not be borne by the leaseholders, irrespective of whether the buildings are managed by social sector partners, developers, or are orphan buildings with no developer available for remediation.

Comprehensive coverage for leaseholders

In a move to provide universal support, the Welsh Government has clarified that all leaseholders are eligible for assistance, eliminating the distinction between ‘qualifying’ and ‘non-qualifying’ leaseholders.

This means there’s no requirement for leaseholders to provide a certificate confirming their eligibility for support.

Developer’s contract and orphan buildings

The guidance includes provisions for buildings covered under the Developer’s Contract.

Developers committed to this contract are responsible for addressing construction-related fire safety issues at their own expense.

Plans are already in place to execute these works without cost implications for leaseholders.

For orphan buildings—those without an identified developer, where the developer is no longer operational, or buildings over 30 years old—the Welsh Building Safety Fund will provide necessary support.

Additionally, the fund will assist developers who haven’t signed the Developer’s Contract and are unable to fully cover remediation costs, ensuring a balance between community safety and economic stability.

Exclusions from the current plan

The guidance does delineate certain buildings as out of scope for current remediation plans.

Buildings identified by the Welsh Building Safety Fund as being less than 11m in height, as defined in Part B of the Building Regulations in Wales, are not included in these remediation plans.

IFSJ Comment

The Welsh Government’s new guidance is a landmark step in ensuring fire safety in residential buildings.

By covering buildings over 11 metres and extending support to all leaseholders, the government demonstrates a strong commitment to public safety.

This initiative not only addresses immediate fire safety concerns but also instils confidence among residents about their safety and security.

The inclusion of orphan buildings and the support extended to developers underlines the comprehensive approach to tackle fire safety issues.

This development is a significant advancement in the building safety landscape, setting a precedent for other regions to follow in prioritising resident safety and building integrity.