Grenfell

    Clive Betts MP

    Government plans to fix the building safety crisis leave leaseholders and social housing providers on the hook for significant costs

    Since the tragic fire at Grenfell Tower five years ago, it has come to light that many hundreds of buildings have dangerous cladding or other fire safety defects. Residents have become trapped in homes that are unsafe but can’t sell them as banks have been unwilling to take on the risk.

    By Clive Betts, Labour MP for Sheffield South East on 09 August 2022

    Laura White, senior associate, Pinsent Masons LLP.

    Competence and culture change in the built environment: important developments

    By Laura White, senior associate, Pinsent Masons LLP. on 01 August 2023

    Flats tall buildings grenfell

    Progress made and challenges ahead – Grenfell six years on

    On the sixth anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire, 2023 has seen a significant rollout of legislative changes to fire safety in high-rise residential buildings that highlight the progress made and the challenges that yet remain.

    By Aisha Farooq, Fire Protection Association on 08 August 2023

    Construction workers shaking hands

    Building a safer future

    A new charter and benchmarking scheme aims to encourage all stakeholders in the built environment industry to develop the necessary leadership and culture to put people’s safety first in how we design, build and maintain the built environment.

    By Gary Townsend Vila, Building a Safer Future on 15 August 2023

    Graphic tall building safety

    Golden threads – delivering safety in buildings and beyond

    The golden thread topic has no doubt featured many times before. With it being summer 2023, the registration of higher-risk buildings is in full swing, and the policy on the golden thread of information is being finalised with secondary legislation enshrining it expected in various waves soon.

    By Sofie Hooper, Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management on 16 August 2023

    Grenfell SMLL Istock Credit Paul Williamson (1)

    200 million pounds: is it enough?

    The government has confirmed that it will allocate £200 million to fix private tower blocks that are wrapped in combustible aluminium composite material cladding, the same kind that sent the Grenfell Tower block up in flames back in June 2017, claiming the lives of 72 people.

    By Stephen Horin on 04 July 2019

    Fire Safety

    UK fire and building safety laws and standards: more action needed

    In response to the Grenfell Tower fire of 2017, the Fire Safety Act 2021 was passed by UK Parliament, amending the Regulatory Reform Order (Fire Safety Order) 2005 to improve fire safety in English and Welsh residential buildings.

    By Jonathan O’Neill MBE, Fire Protection Association (FPA) on 04 July 2022

    Fire Extinguisher iStock Vajira Thongsom

    Getting help with fire safety: competence is key

    With fire safety duties becoming ever more stringent following the Grenfell tragedy, it is crucial that ‘Responsible Persons’ (and other relevant safety roles) only specify and hire appropriate fire safety organisations who have been independently assessed and certificated to evidence their competence.

    By Dr Justin Maltby-Smith, BAFE Fire Safety Register on 10 August 2023

    Grenfell Tower Photograph Istock 812148912 Amandalewissml

    Improving fire safety: British Safety Council response to consultation

    The British Safety Council has called for stronger sanctions in any non-compliance with fire safety, in a recent government consultation linked to the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

    By on 05 November 2020

    Grenfell Tower Photograph Istock 812148912 Amandalewissml

    Building safety bill – at long last

    As parliament goes away for summer recess until 1 September, the government has published the Building Safety Bill.

    By Charles Pitt on 12 August 2020