Responding to the Housing, Communities and Local Government Select Committee Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, Adrian Dobson, Executive Director Professional Services at the Royal Institute of British Architects says,
“The RIBA welcomes the findings of the Housing, Communities and Local Government Select Committee and calls upon the Government to act now to provide clarity for the industry and to protect the public. We strongly support recommendations to extend the ban of combustible cladding and insulation to other high-risk buildings such as schools, residential care homes and hospitals, and to consider other changes to the regulatory framework including second means of escape and fire service activated alarms in each flat. The RIBA has consistently called for mandating sprinkler systems and an immediate and comprehensive review of Approved Document B and we are pleased that the select committee has recognised the need for clarity and certainty in the construction sector.
The Grenfell Tower fire disaster has shaken public confidence in the construction industry. To help rebuild trust and ensure that new developments do not repeat the mistakes of the past the government should respond to the Select Committee’s recommendations without delay.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
- For further information contact Elise Neve in the RIBA press office, elise.neve@riba.org +44 (0) 20 7307 3761
- Read the HCLG report summary
- The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is a global professional membership body that serves its members and society in order to deliver better buildings and places, stronger communities and a sustainable environment. www.architecture.com. Follow us on Twitter for regular RIBA updates www.twitter.com/RIBA
