Government announces new construction safety rules for high-rise buildings

The government has announced today that it is introducing new rules for construction companies regarding the creation and maintenance of residential buildings.

The Building Safety Bill, published today (July 5), will introduce specific “gateway points” at design, construction and completion phases to more closely assess the safety of projects.

This will include the creation of a new government authority, the Building Safety Regulator, which will oversee the new rules and will hold responsibility for ensuring that buildings 18m or taller are safe.

The bill, which is being introduced by housing secretary Robert Jenrick, aims to give residents more power to hold builders and developers to account.

Judith Hackitt, chair of the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, commented: “I am delighted that we have reached this important milestone for the Building Safety Bill.

“It is vital that we focus on getting the system right for the future and set new standards for building safety.

“Residents and other stakeholders need to have their confidence in high rise buildings restored and those who undertake such projects must be held to account for delivering safe buildings.”