The Building Safety (Wales) Bill, set to be introduced this Senedd term, aims to establish a comprehensive building safety regime in Wales for multi-occupied residential buildings. This new regime will surpass the Building Safety Act 2022 in England by covering all such buildings with two or more residential units, regardless of height, except for specific exemptions.
The bill addresses accountability and safety, inspired by the Grenfell Tower tragedy, by creating a robust regulatory system with clear responsibilities and statutory duties for building owners and managers. Local authorities will oversee the occupation phase, working closely with Fire and Rescue Authorities, and integrate with existing housing and building control responsibilities.
Economic analysis of the bill, led by Adroit Economics Ltd, will evaluate the cost and resourcing implications for local authorities, ensuring they receive adequate support during the transition. Registration for building inspectors and control approvers in Wales began on January 31, with the Building Safety Regulator now handling this role, replacing the Construction Industry Council.
From April 6, new legislation will impose tighter controls on building control professions to enhance transparency and accountability. Building inspectors have until September 30 to complete their registration under transitional regulations.
Fire safety is a key focus, with new measures addressing both external and internal fire safety issues in residential buildings over 11 meters high. Eleven major developers have signed contracts for fire safety remediation, with the Welsh Government considering further actions to ensure compliance. Support is available for developers struggling with remediation costs, and efforts are underway to assist leaseholders facing challenges related to property sales or mortgages.
The Joint Inspection Team for Building Safety (Wales) Limited has been established to aid local authorities and Fire and Rescue Authorities with additional inspections and safety advice. The team will prioritize buildings lacking fire risk assessments and support the Welsh Government’s Building Safety Fund initiatives.
