Grenfell Tower and the challenges facing building control

What happened at Grenfell Tower was a tragedy that won’t be soon forgotten. The effects of such a catastrophic event will span lifetimes. But, for the building control organisations said to have played a part in allowing this tragedy to take place, the Grenfell Tower fire serves as a reminder of their shortcomings, and a driver that came too late to force reform.

26th September 2018

By Paul Mills

Grenfell Tower and the challenges facing building control

The Grenfell report

An independent report was commissioned, headed by Dame Judith Hackitt. It sought to find exactly what went wrong at Grenfell Tower. Its findings allowed for rare insight into the building control sector. The key point at the heart of the report was a need for the whole construction industry to put safety above cost minimisation. Hackitt was shocked by some of the practices that were allowed to proceed in the name of cutting costs. This race to the bottom needs to stop, as we are all aware of where the finish line is.

For the building control industry cost minimisation is a delicate issue. Its origins lie in the introduction of competition to building control during the 1980s. It is the only regulatory function of local government to be subject to competition. And with this also comes a constant shifting of blame and responsibility for any incidents that occur. But, areas that specifically referred to building control as a catalyst for the disaster are as follows:

Building control regulations have not kept pace with designs and construction.

A competitive building inspection regime encourages approved inspectors to undercut councils.

A leaching away of expertise, resources, and powers from local authorities. Particularly in architecture and design.

The challenges facing building control

Ten specific questions were asked in the Hackitt report about the current building control regulations:

Are the building regulations easy to understand?

Are roles and responsibilities evident and understood in relation to building work’s compliance with the regulations?

Are roles and responsibilities evident and understood concerning maintaining fire safety in the occupied building?

Is competence adequate throughout the building control system?

Is the enforcement and sanctions regime adequate?

Do tenants and residents have an adequate voice?

Are the quality assurance and testing regimes for materials adequate?

Would different regimes for high- and low-rise buildings be sensible?

Are there lessons that could be learned from other parts of the world?

Are there lessons that could be learned from other sectors?

The future of building control in the UK lies in answering these questions in the most desirable way. The challenges posed against the industry require an in-depth look into regulations. Are they fit for modern buildings, and can we stop the race to the bottom with a disregard for safety? Only then will they be able to regain a reputation of trust in the UK.

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