What is being proposed?
The Welsh Government has put forward Flintshire County Council as the authority for North Wales and Vale of Glamorgan County Borough Council for South Wales, but is still seeking views on which council should take the role in Mid and West Wales.
The consultation also asks whether the regulations should include further provisions to help authorities carry out their functions, which could include requiring other councils to contribute funding, facilities, or services.
Propertymark supports the proposed designations for North and South Wales. For Mid and West Wales, we suggest that Carmarthenshire County Council could be strategically placed to take on the role, given its central location and the presence of the region’s fire and rescue service headquarters within the county. However, our confidence in any appointed council would depend on its ability to fulfil the role and engage with stakeholders across a large geographical area. We want assurance that all the designated councils will have access to suitably qualified staff and can sustain the resources needed.
Value the role of agents
Professional managing agents provide a vital link between building owners, accountable persons, leaseholders and residents. We want the regulations to recognise this role and ensure that BSA’s engage with agents when developing guidance, processes, and communication arrangements.
Agents need clear information about their responsibilities, reporting requirements and how to share building safety information. They also need accessible channels to seek advice, raise queries, and provide information to the authority. Close working with fire and rescue authorities and other relevant bodies will be essential.
We have already engaged with the Welsh Government on factsheets and guidance to help property professionals understand building safety requirements and we will continue this work to support agents in understanding and meeting the new requirements.
Share costs and expertise fairly
We believe the regulations should allow appropriate financial contributions from other councils where the designated authority carries out functions across the region on their behalf. Costs should not fall disproportionately on one council simply because it has been appointed as the BSA.
Payment arrangements should be transparent, proportionate, and reflect the services provided. Other councils should also be able to contribute facilities and services, helping the authority draw on local knowledge and expertise. Responsibilities must be clearly defined to avoid uncertainty and support effective coordination.
