Propertymark highlights major concerns to UK Goverment
Major concerns for the property sector have been reiterated in letters issued by Propertymark to outline actionable points for levelling up our country and communities.
Welsh Fire Safety Act to come into force
The Act, due to come into force from 1 October 2021, clarifies parts of a premises that are covered by the Fire Safety Order (FSO).
£1 million ACM removal fund opens for applications
Private Residential Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) Cladding Remediation Fund provided by the Department of Finance, on behalf of the executive, now available for Residential buildings over 18 metres of height.
Propertymark supports Gas Safety Week 2021
Running from 13 - 19 September, Propertymark is once again pledging its support to raise awareness about the importance of gas safety to its members and the public.
FAQs: Building Safety, Government plan of action
The Grenfell Tower tragedy exposed failings in the building and management of high-rise homes. Home Office analysis of fire and rescue service statistics show that buildings between 18 and 30 metres are four times more likely to suffer a fire with fatalities or serious casualties.
FAQs: National Disability Strategy (UK)
On 28 July 2021, the UK Government published its National Disability Strategy, which sets out the their vision to improve the everyday lives of disabled people. Nearly half of disabled respondents to the UK Disability Survey reported having at least ‘some difficulty’ getting in and out of where they live.
Proposed Block Management Code to help boost professionalism
A new consultation seeks to improve relationships between block managing agents and their clients through rooting out rogue agents and promoting transparency for all parties.
Campaign urges Scottish homes to install interlinked alarms
From February 2022 legislation will require homeowners to have interlinked fire alarms installed in their homes in a move to bolster fire safety efforts.
FAQs: EWS1 Forms
In 2019, mortgage lenders across the UK began to seek assurance on the safety of external wall systems as a condition of approving applications. In recent years there has been concern that flats in high-rise blocks wouldn’t represent good security and that owners could be liable for remediation costs.
Building Safety Manager certification and registration scheme announced
The Building Safety Bill, published on 5 July and due to enter the Committee Stage on 9 September 2021, is to be supported by an independent and industry-led not-for-profit organisation, the Building Safety Alliance.
UK Government opens consultation on proposed building safety levy
The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government announced in February 2021 a charge on developers seeking permission to construct certain high-rise buildings.
Building Safety Bill continues through Parliament
Arguably the most controversial aspect drawn from the second reading of the Bill remains the question of who should pay for measures to remediate the failings made by the building industry in the past.
EWS1 forms not necessary for low rise buildings
The UK Government has said that they see no reason why an EWS1 form, or equivalent, should be requested on buildings below 18 metres following recommendations from a small group of experts on fire safety set up to look at the issue.
Welsh Government announce plans to tackle building safety
Julie James MS, Minister for Climate Change, outlined the Welsh Government will fund fire safety surveys for multi-occupied buildings over 11 metres and called on the UK Government to confirm when further funding will come to Wales.
New Homes Quality Board Code of Practice
The New Homes Quality Board has consulted on its draft Code of Practice, which outlines the guiding principles and practical steps that new homes builders across the UK must follow if they opt to be registered with the NHQB.
New Regulator introduced as Building Safety Bill published
The Building Safety Bill, published today, 5 July, outlines the biggest changes to building safety regulation in a generation by introducing a Building Safety Regulator to oversee a new safety regime for high-rise residential homes in response to the Grenfell fire tragedy.
