The government’s major projects body has flagged “significant issues” with the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), just over two months before the new watchdog takes on its full responsibilities.
In its annual report for the 2022/23 academic year, the Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA) has awarded the body, which will lead the program of the new regulatory regime for buildings from 1 October, an “amber” rating.
Their rating is defined as: “Satisfactory delivery appears feasible, but significant issues already exist that require management’s attention.”
By definition, the issues “seem solvable” but must be addressed quickly.
The IPA does not give further details in the report about the problems at the BSR, and does not comment on its individual ratings.
Under the provisions of the Building Safety Act, from October it will be illegal for construction of high-risk or high-rise buildings to begin without BSR design approval, or for such a building to be occupied without BSR approval for completion.
He will also be responsible for ensuring the existence of skills among the project teams, as well as supervising building control professionals.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), of which the BSR is a part, announced the retirement of Peter Baker, who had been in charge of the regulator’s establishment for two years, in April. A permanent successor has not yet been named.
In its own recently published annual report, the HSE acknowledged “significant issues” it said had been highlighted in March and were being addressed.
Chief Executive Sarah Albon wrote: “I have committed to the March 2023 assessment by IPA regarding the BSR programme.
“This has indicated that program delivery appears feasible, while acknowledging that there are some significant issues that continue to require management attention. As such, the evaluation included a number of recommendations, all of which are being progressed and monitored through appropriate governance forums.”
An HSE spokesman said it had “a positive relationship with the IPA”, which provides “an independent view of the risks to the delivery of BSR”, adding: “We continue to actively manage these risks to stay on schedule. We are confident in our delivery of the complex program to set up BSR in HSE to a very tight timetable and are working closely with the Department for Leveling, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) as they complete the legislative process.”
A government-commissioned review of construction product safety had also questioned the creation of two separate new regulators: a national construction products regulator, as well as the BSR. in April.
On the other hand, the IPA’s annual report highlighted significant problems with the program to develop a memorial at the site of Grenfell Tower, which is being led by local residents, as well as survivors and those grieving the devastating fire, in conjunction with the government.
Safety work on the tower was completed in October 2022, he noted, with active monitoring continuing to track the rate of degradation. A final report from the Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission will be delivered in September.
The IPA noted that a community event in May 2023 achieved the highest level of community participation to date; however, the IPA has awarded the project an amber rating.
HSE and DLUHC have been contacted for comment.
