Welsh Government have published an updated statement on the progress of the much-anticipated Building Safety (Wales) Bill.

The Building Safety Act 2022 was introduced following the tragic events of Grenfell Tower to substantially improve the safety standards of residential buildings, along with granting residents and homeowners greater rights, powers, and protections.

Welsh Government plan to take this “significantly further” for residential buildings in Wales, with the introduction of the Building Safety (Wales) Bill, which is scheduled to be introduced in 2025.

Notably, the new Bill will capture all multi-occupied residential buildings in Wales which contain two or more residential units – regardless of the height of the building0.  It is also expected to place new and greater duties and obligations on duty-holders (including local authorities) throughout Wales.

Jayne Bryant, the Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, published a statement on 20 September 2024 to provide an update following the publication of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Report.  This confirmed that Officials at Welsh Government are considering the recommendations set out in that report in order to ensure that the new Bill aligns with the high safety standards Welsh Government intend to impose.

The statement can be viewed in full here: https://www.gov.wales/written-statement-building-safety-wales-2

The new Bill is set to focus on issues caused by external cladding to residential buildings, along with internal fire safety concerns, and has been a collaborative effort, with views sought from developers, tenants, and home-owners.

If you require any advice on the implications on the Building Safety Act 2022 or the upcoming Building Safety (Wales) Bill, Berry Smith’s Dispute Resolution Team can assist.

Please contact us on 029 2034 5511 or disputeresolution@berrysmith.com