BWF welcomes Building Safety Standards move in Queen’s Speech

Helen Hewitt, CEO of the BWF, said the move clearly builds upon Dame Judith Hackitt’s independent review recommendations, which were welcomed by the BWF and its members at the time.

The government’s update aims to put in place new and modernised regulatory regimes for building safety and construction products, ensuring residents have a stronger voice in the system.

“However, in the context of ongoing political uncertainty, it’s crucial that the Government doesn’t lose sight of this important bill and delivers on its pledges relating to resident safety and improved accountability across the construction industry, from manufacture to specification, installation and on-going maintenance,” she said.

“Our hope is that this legislation will drive the vital change that the industry requires and will incorporate the need for independent third-party certification of life-saving fire safety measures to ensure high standards are adopted by all.

“The Government must implement the new laws as soon as possible, ideally with support from opposition parties to ensure broad agreement, so that all residents can feel safe in their homes and to prevent further delays that could cost lives.”

The focus on providing residents with a voice follows this year’s Fire Door Safety Week campaign run by the British Woodworking Federation, which focused on the vital life-saving role of fire doors. BWF released a hard-hitting video to represent those who are vulnerable and currently don’t have a voice.