Cwestiwn ysgrifenedig WQ86678

I have always maintained the position that the industry should step up to their responsibilities in matters of fire safety and developers should put right fire safety faults at their own cost or risk their professional reputation.

I am pleased a number of large developers have set aside funds to replace cladding and address other fire safety work on properties in Wales and have signed up to the Welsh Government’s Developers Pact. This confirms their intention to address fire safety issues in buildings 11 metres and over in height that they have developed over the last 30 years.

With regards to Laing O’Rourke, I can confirm we have received correspondence from them, which clarifies that they have constructed, but not developed, buildings of 11 metres or over in Wales. The work we are undertaking on the Pact is targeted at developers, as these are the entities that have benefitted from the profits of the developments. I have received a response from Westmark and will continue to engage with them. I am currently awaiting a response from Tilia although, I can also confirm I will continue to press them for a response.

In answer to your question about legislation that will ensure developers will meet their responsibilities in relation to fire safety, I have made repeatedly clear that while I welcome those developers who are engaging, my officials are also exploring all options, including legislation, to ensure that those developers who fail to act will face consequences for their unwillingness to accept their responsibilities. However, any legislation must be the right legislation for Wales and tailored for the Welsh context accordingly.

I am also looking to bring about changes to the building control system via the development of secondary legislation. This will include consultation with stakeholders and the public on the key matters.

We have completed our design and construction phase transition plan which enables us over the next three years to make the legislative changes necessary to ensure that the problems identified with the current building control regimes are rectified.

There are public consultations currently underway on the Competence Framework for Building Inspectors and Operational Standard Rules for both Local Authority Building Control and Building Control Approvers.

Furthermore, we are in the process of drafting secondary legislation on the definition of a high-risk building for the design and construction phase which will be consulted upon early 2023.

This can be found on the Welsh Government Consultation pages. Operational Standards Rules | GOV.WALES

I can confirm the Building Safety Act 2022 has already introduced some legislative reforms in Wales.