The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government launched a consultation yesterday (11 April) on the plans, which would either restrict or ban completely the use of desktop studies as a way of assessing the performance of external cladding systems.
In a statement, the Government said the move would toughen up the rules around safety testing. The proposals come directly as a result of the recommendations made by Dame Judith Hackitt in her interim report last year, which recommended the use of desktop studies be restricted.
Dame Judith’s report also raised concerns about the competence of some of the assessment authors. A desktop study is a means of assessing an item in lieu of a fire test.
The new consultation will consider whether desktop studies are appropriate for all construction products, wall systems or for any other purpose. And if they are deemed appropriate in some cases, the proposed changes include improving the transparency of assessments, proper scrutiny of results and ensuring that such studies can only be carried out by properly-accredited bodies that have the relevant expertise.
“We have listened carefully to Dame Judith Hackitt and we are taking action to strengthen building regulations guidance, which could mean the use of desktop studies either significantly restricted or banned altogether,” said housing secretary, Sajid Javid.
“This demonstrates the tough measures we are prepared to take to make sure that cladding tests are as robust as possible and people are safe in their own homes.”
The chairman of the Local Government Association, Lord Porter, commented: “We have consistently said that desktop studies cannot substitute for real-world tests of cladding systems – including in our evidence to the Hackitt Review.
“We urge the Government to hold firm against industry pressure that seeks to allow their continued use.”
The consultation closes on 25 May. For more information, see here.
