Government to consult on banning combustible cladding

New housing secretary James Brokenshire said the Government will now go to consultation on the use of combustible cladding on high-rise tower blocks.

The announcement came as the minister welcomed the Hackitt Review saying it was already implementing many of the recommendations first set out several months ago in Dame Judith’s interim report.

But while the Hackitt seeks sweeping reforms to the industry’s regulatory systems with clearly defined responsibilities for clients, designers and contractors, she did not call for a ban on combustible cladding materials.

Brokenshire told Parliament: “The cladding believed to be on Grenfell Tower was unlawful under existing building regulations. It should not have been used.

“I will ensure that there is no room for doubt over what materials can be used safely in cladding of high rise residential buildings.

Having listened carefully to concerns, the government will consult on banning the use of combustible materials in cladding systems on high-rise residential buildings.”

The decision comes amid growing pressure from MPs and architects, building firms and Grenfell survivors who had backed a ban on using combustible materials in construction.

He added the Government would lead fundamental reform of the system, with strong sanctions for those who fail to comply.

“We are consulting on significantly restricting or banning the use of “desktop studies” to assess cladding systems.

“Inappropriate use of desktop studies is unacceptable and I will not hesitate to ban them if the consultation – which closes on 25 May – does not demonstrate that they can be used safely.

He added the Government was also working with industry to clarify Building Regulations fire safety guidance, and would publish this for consultation in July.

Government committment to Hackitt Review

• launching a consultation on banning the use of combustible materials in cladding systems on high-rise residential buildings
• banning desktop studies if the current consultation – which closes on 25 May – does not demonstrate that they can be safely used
• ensuring residents have a better mechanism for blowing the whistle on landlords who do not maintain safe buildings
• changing the law to achieve meaningful and lasting reform of the building regulatory system, with strong sanctions for those who fail to comply
• inviting views to inform how the government could implement major reform of the regulatory system
• restructuring building regulations fire safety guidance to ensure it is clear

 

from Construction Enquirer http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2018/05/17/government-to-consult-on-banning-combustible-cladding/

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