Housing secretary Robert Jenrick has appointed two experts to lead an independent review of the system for testing construction products
Former government adviser and construction expert Paul Morrell OBE will be the chair of the independent panel for testing construction products, along with legal expert Anneliese Day QC.
The review, announced earlier this year, will examine how to strengthen the current system for testing products to provide confidence that these materials are safe and perform as marketed.
It forms part of the government’s programme of work to reform and strengthen building safety regulation and comes after testimony to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry exposed evidence of testing irregularities and potential gaming of the system by some manufacturers.
‘Construction product manufacturers may have gamed the system’
Housing secretary Robert Jenrick, said: “The Grenfell Tower Inquiry has heard deeply concerning suggestions that some construction product manufacturers may have gamed the system for testing these materials and compromised the safety of residents.
“We are taking these allegations very seriously and will await the inquiry’s final recommendations – but it is clear that action is needed now to ensure products used on buildings always meet the highest safety standards.
“I am pleased to appoint Paul Morrell OBE and Anneliese Day QC to lead this independent review of the system for testing construction products that will build on the significant progress we have already made to make buildings safer.”
The panel will engage with a wide range of stakeholders to seek their views on how the system of safety testing of construction products could be improved and will report later this year with recommendations.
