The Construction Products Association (CPA) has welcomed the establishment of an independent review of building safety and regulations in high-rise residential buildings by the Department of Communities and Local Government.
Dame Judith Hackitt, Chair of EEF, the Manufacturers’ Organisation, has been appointed by government to commission the review in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire. It will look at current building regulations and fire safety with a focus on high-rise residential buildings, reporting jointly to the Communities Secretary Sajid Javid and the Home Secretary Amber Rudd.
The review will examine:
- The regulatory system around the design, construction and on-going management of buildings in relation to fire safety
- Related compliance and enforcement issues
- International regulation and experience in this area
Dr Diana Montgomery, Chief Executive of the Construction Products Association, said: "The CPA welcomes the appointment of Dame Judith to chair this review. Following the Grenfell Tower tragedy it is imperative all is done to provide reassurance and ensure the safety of residents within high-rise buildings. Her experience as Chair at EEF and previously Chair at the Health and Safety Executive, demonstrate she is the correct person to lead this response. The CPA looks forward to doing what we can to support these efforts."
ENDS
NOTE TO EDITORS:
The Construction Products Association has been asked by the Department for Communities and Local Government to join an ‘Industry Response Group’ alongside Build UK and the Construction Industry Council to help “mobilise and co-ordinate the construction industry’s response to the challenges arising from the Grenfell Tower fire”. The Group have been asked to provide a genuinely inclusive, cross-industry response, drawing in relevant expertise and data. The group will initially:
- Provide essential advice on possible solutions for use in particular types of buildings to ensure homes, offices and public buildings are safe
- Provide advice on better ways of building and the latest methods of construction, and ensure access to the necessary technical expertise in industry when required
- Help mobilise the UK industry if any major programmes of construction work is needed, by acting as a focal point for government-industry communications
- Advise government on the relevant sub-sectors of the construction industry, their expertise and capacity to deliver work at pace.
The Construction Products Association represents the UK’s manufacturers and distributors of construction products and materials. We are committed to raising the profile of our industry and members’ businesses, helping grow the market and reducing regulatory risk. The sector directly provides jobs for 300,000 people across 22,000 companies and has an annual turnover of more than £55 billion. The CPA is the leading voice to promote and campaign for this vital UK industry.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Emma Salmon, CPA Marketing and Communications Executive
Tel: 020 7323 3770
E-mail: emma.salmon@constructionproducts.org.uk
Follow the Construction Products Association on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CPA_Tweets.
