There is no doubt that we are living in uncertain times as it appears that our government is in a permanent state of chaos with no light at the end of the tunnel, just yet.
The recent Queen’s Speech provided a moment of welcomed clarity to recent events and provided the government with an opportunity to showcase its forthcoming priorities.
Having debated its contents MPs have now approved the Queen’s Speech so let’s now reflect on what it all means for the construction industry.
Building safety was always going to be a priority for the Government post Grenfell and the Queen’s Speech confirmed that there are plans to “bring forward laws to implement new building safety standards” where new and modernised regulatory regimes for building safety and construction products will be put in place.
A new independent Building Safety Regulator with powers to impose criminal sanctions for breaches of building regulations will also be created and residents will have a stronger voice in the system.
The new standards and Regulator role are not just aimed at improving safety but will hopefully help restore the public’s faith in high rise residential buildings and make it clear to building owners, developers, contractors and designers the scope of their duties and the level of accountability expected of them.
It was also confirmed that government will publish its National Infrastructure Strategy detailing its plans that will hopefully deliver investment, improve growth and develop transport links whilst helping meet decarbonisation targets.
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