Grenfell Inquiry Findings and their impact on Landlords

After years of anticipation the Grenfell Inquiry delivered its scathing final report. 

The Government faced sharp criticism for neglecting its duty to create and keep construction regulations current, putting public safety at risk.

The report found the following:

• The Government neglected to monitor and update building regulations, particularly concerning combustible insulation and cladding on high rise buildings despite past warnings as far back as 1999, and 2001. 
• Substantial failures from the Building Research Establishment (BRE), which allowed companies to manipulate the testing process. 
• Systematic dishonesty from those who made and sold cladding (Celotex, Kingspan, Arconic, Rydon)
• The British Board of Agrément and the Local Authority Building Control (LABC) failed to maintain robust processes, which allowed manufacturers to exploit the system and compromise the safety of building materials. 
• Chronic and systemic failings in fire safety management from the Kensington and Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation (KCTMO).

The report recommended:

• Simplifying and integrating the regulatory system for better safety and compliance.
• Establishing a single independent regulatory body and appointing a Chief Construction Adviser. 
• Reviewing the definition of “High Risk” buildings.
• Updating Approved Document B.
• Implementing a new licensing scheme for contractors. 
• Regulating Fire Engineers.
• Enhancing architectural education and training. 
• Improving fire performance tests. 
• Creating a National Building Control Authority to avoid conflicts. 

In response the Government committed to:

• Preventing companies named in the report receiving Government contracts. 
• Supporting the police and prosecutors in their investigations connected to the report.
• Mandating freeholders to assess and remediate their buildings within set timetables. 
• Reforming the construction products industry to ensure safety. 
• Increasing accountability for social landlords regarding the safety and quality of homes. 
• Addressing all 58 recommendations from the report and responding to the inquiry’s recommendations within a period of 6 months.

Landlords take note – it is your duty to keep your properties safe and compliant with Regulations. Our Property folder contains a wide range of documents to help you.