The built environment in England continues to change and develop at a rapid pace. In the past few years the architecture profession has had to process new building regulations, reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), and a new government bringing with it a raft of intended reforms to make its housing targets a viable proposition.
A lot, as they say, is going on.
Throughout the year, RIBA’s Policy and Public Affairs team is hard at work liaising with government departments, and policymakers to help affect positive change for members and the profession as a whole, but architects themselves can also get involved and help shape legislative development.
Consultations on various pieces of policy are open year-round, and open for a reason – the government wants to tap into on-the-ground knowledge and experience to help shape the built environment. Whether it’s building safety, sustainability issues or working across geographical boarders, members can make a real difference to outcomes. The following consultations listed below are ones that we are responding to, with the help of its expert advisory groups, and encourage members to do the same.
MHCLG Building Control Independent Panel call for evidence
The Grenfell Tower Inquiry final report published on 4 September 2024 recommended an independent panel was set up to consider two questions relating to the operation of the building control system in England - whether to remove commercial interest from the system and whether certain functions should be moved to a 'national authority' model. This call for evidence is being issued to assist the panel in determining its answers to those questions and its recommendations to government.
The panel wants to hear from building control bodies and those who engage with the system - for example developers, architects, the fire and rescue services, and clients/dutyholders.
Closing date: Friday 29 August
House of Commons Business and Trade Select Committee Inquiry into trade relationships with the US, India, and the EU
The Business and Trade Committee is launching an inquiry into the UK’s trade deals with three of its most important partners: the United States, India, and the European Union.
The Committee is interested in finding out how these agreements and frameworks will affect people and businesses across the UK, and the likely economic, social, environmental and other impacts. The Committee is also interested in priorities for the UK’s ongoing negotiations with the US and EU.
Closing date: Sunday 31 August
House of Lords Industry and Regulators Committee inquiry into the Building Safety Regulator
Following the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, the government commissioned Dame Judith Hackitt to conduct an Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety. The Review’s final report recommended the establishment of a new regulatory framework focused on higher-risk residential buildings, managed by a new regulator with responsibility for the whole of a building’s safety. The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) was set up to act as this new regulator as part of the Building Safety Act 2022.
Concerns have been raised by some in the housing sector that delays in approvals by the BSR have slowed down the delivery of new buildings and homes, and this inquiry is a call for evidence to help address some of those key concerns. (It’s worth noting that shortly after this inquiry was published, reform to the BSR was announced, moving it from the stewardship of the Health and Safety Executive to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).)
Closing date: Sunday 31 August
Cabinet Office consultation on public procurement: growing British industry, jobs, and skills
Public procurement has a crucial role to play in bolstering domestic competitiveness, making the economy stronger and more resilient, and providing a solid foundation of security for British businesses.
The proposals outlined in this consultation build on the changes introduced in the Procurement Act 2023 and will support implementation of our new National Procurement Policy Statement. This legal framework simplifies the bidding process for small suppliers bidding for public sector contracts and equips us with the tools to maximise value for money.
Closing date: Friday 5 September
Improving the energy efficiency of socially rented homes in England
This MHCLG consultation seeks views on the implementation of new Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for the social rented sector at Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Band C or equivalent by 2030. It covers Setting a Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard; Addressing Implementation Issues; and Longer-term Decarbonisation and Net Zero.
Closing date: Wednesday 10 September
A Reformed Decent Homes Standard for Social and Privately Rented Homes consultation
MHCLG is seeking feedback on the reforms to the Decent Homes Standard (DHS). Notably, the reformed DHS will now apply to both social and privately rented homes in England. This consultation invites views on potential changes to the DHS, its implementation, and timelines.
Closing date: Wednesday 10 September
Growing the market for low carbon industrial products: policy framework
This consultation seeks to deliver the guidance, tools, and levers to help buyers identify and compare lower carbon industrial products, with an initial focus on the steel, cement, and concrete sectors.
The government says that policies will enable buyers (including public bodies who have substantial purchasing power) to make informed choices through better information on the carbon content of industrial goods. An increased demand signal should drive the growth and mobilisation of ‘green’ investment and ultimately lead to reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Closing date: Monday 15 September
Late payments: tackling poor payment practices
Late payments can disrupt cash flows, prevent businesses from paying their bills, and even lead to business closures. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are especially exposed to these issues, as they often have less cash in reserve to act as a buffer.
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is publishing this consultation, which seeks views on a package of legislative measures aimed at addressing late payments, and ensuring businesses are paid fairly and on time.
Late payment is characterised by four different but inter-related problems (late payments, disputed payments, unfair practice around retention payments, and long payment terms), and the proposed measures aim to address them all.
Closing date: Thursday 23 October
Text by Paul Hirons. This is a professional feature edited by the RIBA Practice team. Send us your feedback and ideas.
RIBA Core Curriculum topic: Legal, regulatory and statutory compliance.
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