On Wednesday, Angela Rayner gave the government’s official response to the phase 2 Grenfell Inquiry report. Here we have collected reactions from notable figures and bodies
The Government Grenfell Inquiry response confirmed that the remains of the tower would not be left standing, disappointing some survivors. Instead, the tower will be demolished, and a new memorial will be created.
The response saw the government commit to establishing a new single construction regulator, move matters of fire safety to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, amongst other measures.
Jack Pringle, chair of the board at RIBA, said:
“What happened at the Grenfell Tower was a tragedy that should never have happened and must never happen again. Therefore, we welcome the Government’s vision to create a built environment that is as safe as it can be.
“Both the Inquiry Report and the Government have acknowledged the work that we’ve already undertaken to improve the education and training of architects. As recommended, RIBA has committed to reviewing these changes in light of the inquiry’s findings.
“Many actions the Deputy Prime Minister outlined echo those which we have also called for, including the need to review the definition of higher-risk buildings, regular updating of Approved Document B, and appointing a Chief Construction Advisor.
“Now the work continues, we are committed to engaging across the sector and with the Government to create buildings and homes that are safe and high quality for all.”
RICS head of professional practice – building, Gary Strong, said:
“RICS welcomes the UK Government’s statement on the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Report, and we look forward to continuing to support these crucial reforms going forward. A new, dedicated construction sector regulator and Chief Construction Adviser is welcome, and RICS will continue to offer its expertise to the government to support plans for the new regulator as it takes shape.
“New rules on product safety should further raise manufacturing standards, whilst new laws empowering tenants in the social housing sector will help protect some of the most vulnerable. It is reassuring that the government plans to provide updates every quarter and RICS will support the implementation of these reforms every step of the way.”
Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB, said:
“The Grenfell Tower inquiry report has a crucial role to play in ensuring lessons are learnt about building safety. The Government’s decision to act on all 58 recommendations set out in the report is welcome news, particularly the decision to create a new single construction regulator to make sure those responsible for building safety are fully accountable. This is something the FMB fully supports. However, a vital step to deliver long-term change must be the introduction of a licensing scheme to ensure domestic building companies have proven minimum competence. Currently anyone can call themselves a builder and this can’t be right, particularly for those working in the domestic building sector.”
Berry continued: “The development of a minimum competency scheme for builders of major construction projects was a key recommendation of the inquiry. This needs to be extended to all construction workers. If we think the situation is challenging for Tier 1 firms, the picture for small building companies and sole-traders is even less clear, given they don’t have inhouse resources for training and HR. The Government now has the opportunity to work with the construction sector to introduce a full licensing scheme for building companies, which will help drive up standards and make construction safer for both builders and consumers.”
Caroline Gumble, CEO at the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), said:
“We very much welcome the Government’s response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Report, which will provide the construction industry with much-needed clarity and guidance on the actions that must be taken to reduce the risk of such a tragedy happening again.
“The response is clear on the key areas of focus, and the expected timeline for implementing several of the changes. We will work with government, the new Construction Regulator and Chief Construction Adviser once in place, as well as our sister professional bodies, trade associations and wider industry stakeholders to ensure those working in our industry are competent and quality-driven to create a built environment safe for all its users.
“We recognise there is a significant amount of work to do and the introduction of the Building Safety Act 2022, while a positive step, was only the beginning. We are ready to play our part in improving the culture in the sector and ensuring construction professionals are appropriately competent to conduct their roles, not only in the case of high-risk buildings but throughout the wider built environment, ensuring public trust in what we build and maintain.
“Both the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Report and the Government’s response provide an opportunity for the construction sector to reflect on its responsibility to building users and learn lessons from the Grenfell Tower tragedy. Our industry still has a long way to go to change its culture and ensure safety is at the heart of everything we do, and today’s announcement is clear that this must be fully addressed and delivered.”
The CPA said:
“The Deputy Prime Minister’s statement in response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Final Report recommendations reflected an understanding that while the UK construction industry has improved since the tragedy, there is much that remains to be done. The Construction Products Association (CPA) therefore welcomes the Government’s publishing of the Construction Products Reform Green Paper – its ambition, clarity and direction of travel for the construction products sector has been long awaited.
“As with the two independent reviews overseen by Dame Judith Hackitt and Morrell/Day, we will work with our members and wider industry to provide our full support and response during the Green Paper’s consultation. We are already pleased to note in the Paper the recognition and support from Government for our work in developing the Code for Construction Product Information as a positive industry initiative to raise standards in product information and marketing.
“The Government’s response and the Green Paper mark another key milestone in a continuing series of reforms to our industry’s culture and practices. The CPA remains committed to learning from this tragedy and helping drive meaningful change, particularly toward eliminating unsafe practices and ensuring that safety and accountability become non-negotiable priorities in the industry.”
Andrew Parker, head of the construction disputes and building safety practices at Forsters, said:
“The Government is right to accept the 37 recommendations directed towards it in the report and take its time to implement the changes. The industry is already getting to grips with relatively new legislation from the Building Safety Act and navigating the Building Safety Regulator. Too much radical change at this point would create further uncertainty and reduce productivity in the construction industry at a time when the Government is seeking to deliver on its growth ambitions.
“The creation of a single construction regulator and chief construction adviser is long overdue and should, if introduced properly and in consultation with the industry, be an effective way of reducing the complexity and fragmentation of the regulatory regime. Steps to professionalise fire engineers and assessors is welcome, the main challenge that remains is a severe lack of capacity in the sector which is affecting the pace in which buildings can be remediated.”
