Grenfell legacy at risk as Building Safety Bill faces sharp criticism
A parliamentary committee has raised serious concerns about the government's draft Building Safety Bill. The report highlights unclear definitions, missing details, and gaps that could leave leaseholders facing unfair costs.
The findings come nearly nine years after the Grenfell Tower fire exposed major fire safety failings in high-rise buildings across the UK.
The committee found that the bill relies too heavily on unpublished secondary legislation. This lack of clarity creates uncertainty over who is responsible for building safety. Committee chair Clive Betts warned that vague definitions could lead to confusion and disputes.
Hundreds of high-rise buildings still contain dangerous cladding and fire safety defects. While exact numbers remain unclear, reports from 2023 to 2025 showed many had not been fixed. The committee stressed that leaseholders should not have to pay for failures they did not cause.
The report calls for stricter oversight of key professions in construction and building management. It recommends national accreditation and registration standards for safety managers. Without these, the committee fears the new regime will lack accountability.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has backed the bill but acknowledged the need for affordable solutions. However, the committee insists the final version must include clearer rules on responsibilities and protections for leaseholders.
The committee's recommendations aim to close loopholes in the Building Safety Bill before it becomes law. Stricter standards for professionals and clearer definitions could prevent leaseholders from bearing unfair costs.
The government now faces pressure to address these concerns before finalising the legislation. Without changes, the report warns, the new system may fail to deliver the safety improvements promised after Grenfell.
