The King’s Speech 2024 marks the start of the new government’s legislative programme. It introduces 39 new Bills, addressing areas from planning and English devolution to renters’ and leasehold reform, infrastructure, and skills. This agenda seeks to tackle challenges in housing, energy security, and sustainability, aiming to enhance the well-being of consumers.
Planning and Infrastructure Bill
The government is keen on immediate planning reforms to boost economic growth. This Bill will modernise the National Grid, meet future housing needs, and streamline decisions on majorinfrastructureprojects. It addresses compulsory purchase and compensation rules, specifically ‘Hope Value’ in land for affordable housing. With a target of 1.5 million new homes, RICSsupports this initiative, advocating for modern local housing plans and efficient use of Section 106 and Community Infrastructure Levy funding.
National Wealth Fund Bill
This Bill, designed to continue the levelling-up agenda, allocates £7.3 billion for transformative investments across the UK. It prioritises the industrial strategy, economic growth, and clean energy missions, including hydrogen infrastructure and carbon capture technologies. Effective cost, project management, and carbon assessments, areas where RICSmembers likeJohn Burke Associates excel, are crucial for the success of these investments.
English Devolution Bill
Further devolutionof powers across England will enhance local decision-making in strategicplanning, transport, skills, and employment. RICScollaborates with metro mayors and combined authorities on housing decarbonisation projects, local rental charters, and planning reforms. The challenge lies in coordinating strategies across multiple local authorities, a task where RICS expertise is vital.
Great British Energy Bill
The creation of Great British Energy aims to manage and operate clean power projects. The government targets a fourfold increase in offshore wind and solar capacity and a doubling of onshore wind. The Crown Estate Billsupports this by removing restrictions on marine activities. John Burke Associates plays a key role in land acquisition, project management, and cost management for these renewable energy projects.
Skills England Bill
This Billseeks to simplify the skills system and create Skills England to oversee apprenticeship and technical education. RICSadvocates for a Built Environment SkillsTaskforce to identify and plan for future housing, infrastructure, and sustainability needs.
Renters’ Rights Bill
This Bill continues efforts to reform the rental sector. It aims to end ‘no fault’ evictions and strengthen tenants’ rights while supporting landlords in cases of anti-social tenants or significant rent arrears. Expanding the Decent Homes Standard to the private rental sector is a positive step, but support for landlords is essential to prevent them from leaving the market.
Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill
This Billcontinues reforms in leasehold rights and promotes commonholds to give residents more control over their homes. RICS recognises the benefits of commonholds but also the challenges in management. They will work with the government to support this transition and ensure a robust framework for those involved.
RICS Response
Tina Paillet FRICS, President of RICS, welcomes the planning reforms highlighted in the King’s Speech2024. She emphasises the correlation between GDP growth and infrastructure delivery, and the importance of holistic built environment policy. The Skills England Bill is a positive move to address the skills shortage, essential for meeting housing and infrastructure targets. The Renters’ Rights Bill is also welcomed, but with a call for balance to support tenants and landlords.
Conclusion
In conclusion, as RICS members John Burke Associatesis committed to supporting the government’s ambitious legislativeagenda, providing our expertise to ensure the success of these initiatives and the delivery of a net-zero economy.
John Burke Associates congratulates Senior Clerk of Works, Gilly Carr FICWCI, for his monumental achievement at this year’s Building on Quality Awards. The prestigious event in Glasgow announces Gilly Carr as the Overall Winner, showcasing his dedication and exceptional skills in construction.
What are the Building on Quality Awards?
The Building on Quality Awards celebrate excellence in construction, recognising individuals and teams for outstanding project results. These awards highlight quality, safety, and innovation in construction, setting a benchmark for the industry. Each year, they bring together professionals to acknowledge hard work, commitment, and contributions.
Gilly Carr’s Remarkable Achievement
Gilly Carr’s recognition as the Overall Winner marks a significant milestone for him and John Burke Associates. His dedication to maintaining the highest quality standards and attention to detail earns him this honour. As a Senior Clerk of Works,Gilly ensures all projects under his supervision meet rigorous standards.
Commitment to Quality at John Burke Associates
Quality drives everything at John Burke Associates. Our team delivers projects that exceed client expectations, adhering to high safety and innovation standards. Gilly’s achievement underscores our commitment to these values, showcasing our professionals’ calibre.
Looking Forward
The recognition at the Building on Quality Awards inspires everyone at John Burke Associates. It reinforces our belief in quality and encourages us to strive for excellence. We are incredibly proud of Gilly Carr and all our team members who make our projects successful.
Join Us in Celebrating
Join us in celebrating this fantastic achievement. Gilly Carr’s success reminds us of what hard work, dedication, and a pursuit of quality can accomplish. As we look forward, we remain committed to these values and delivering exceptional project results. If you need assistance on your next project, speak to our award-winning team at John Burke Associatestoday.
Starting 30 September 2026, a pivotal change will reshape the landscape of residential construction in England. All new residential buildings reaching 18 metres or above are mandated to incorporate a second staircase. This groundbreaking decision follows meticulous consideration of the responses garnered from a consultation on the fire safety guidance of the building regulations, known as Approved Document B.
The Genesis of Change
The consultation, which unfolded between December 2022 and March 2023, attracted 285 responses, reflecting a broad spectrum of perspectives. Its primary focus was the potential integration of second staircases in new residential edifices of 18 metres and upwards, across England. Originally, the governmentproposed a threshold of 30 metres for this architectural inclusion. However, this suggestion met with diverse opinions; while 25% of respondents aligned with the proposal, a notable 48% opposed it.
A Closer Look at the Responses
Among the detractors, 5% advocated for the absence of any threshold, signalling a more stringent stance on fire safety measures. Meanwhile, opinions varied significantly regarding the ideal threshold, with suggestions ranging from as low as 11 metres to as high as 60 metres. Despite the contention, a consensus leaned towards the establishment of a threshold, underscoring a collective drive towards enhancing resilience and bolstering public confidence in building safety.
A Responsive Framework
Acknowledging the feedback, the government has set the wheels in motion for the adoption of the new guidance by 30 September 2026. Building applications henceforth will need to align with these updated regulations, ensuring a two-staircase design for qualifying structures. Applications that fail to meet this criterion will have a grace period of 18 months for constructioncommencement, providing a buffer for adaptation to these changes.
Industry Reactions
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has warmly received this update, recognising it as a vital step forward in the pursuit of a safer built environment. Jack Pringle, the chair of RIBA’s board, lauded the initiative but also highlighted areas for further improvement, including the need for a second fire-fightingshaft and evacuation lifts, both critical for emergency operations.
Looking Ahead
This regulation marks the beginning of a broader conversation on fire safety in residential buildings. The government’s forthcoming response to other facets of the consultation, such as the proposal to install sprinklers in care homes and the revamp of the nationalclassificationssystem for construction products, is anticipated. As we stand on the cusp of these transformative changes, the commitment to a safer, more resilient builtenvironment remains unwavering, with the collective aim of safeguardinglives and enhancingpublictrust in the structures that define our urban landscape. If you need guidance on your next project contact the team at John Burke Associates today.
As we edge past the six-month transition period for Higher Risk Buildings (HRBs), a recent study by NBS sheds light on a significant industry challenge. It reveals that half of the professionals are still in the dark about their responsibilities under the Building Safety Act 2022. This lack of clarity poses a considerable risk to the industry’s ability to adapt and comply with new regulations.
A Call for Better Understanding
The findings are a wake-up call. Only a fifth of those surveyed feel ‘very clear’ on their duties concerning Higher Risk Buildings (HRBs). Such uncertainty underlines the urgent need for enhanced awareness and education. Russell Haworth, CEO of Byggfakta Group, echoes this sentiment. He recalls Dame Judith Hackitt’s firm message on the inevitability of regulatory change. The industry must grasp the intricacies of the Building Safety Act to uplift building safety standards.
The Golden Thread of Building Information
Another pressing issue is the management of the Golden Threadof Information. Less than half of the respondents understand how to maintain essential safety-related building information. A mere 10% have a concrete strategy in place. This gap in understanding and planning is alarming. Dr Stephen Hamil stresses the importance of a continuous, accessible flow of information to uphold safety throughout a building’s lifecycle.
The Role of Robust Specifications
Specifications play a pivotal role in ensuring safety from the design phase. They are crucial for demonstrating compliance with Building Regulations. The Building Safety Act, as Hamil points out, offers a chance for the industry to assert control over design and construction processes. Effective specification writing is fundamental to preventing substandard construction.
Moving Forward with Consistency
If you require assistance with your respective duties contact John Burke Associatestoday. We provide expertise and support to ensure clients comply with their statutory obligations. Furthermore, we believe in delivering a collaborative service and ultimately gaining the client’s trust and commitment. Therefore, our clerks of works division undertake a systematic and vigilant inspection of constructionworks in progress. This includes workmanship, materials and compliance to standards.
As the temperaturedrops in the UK this week, the challenges of working in construction during snow or low temperatures are significant. Understanding the legal obligations, employerresponsibilities, and practicaladvice for coping with these conditions is crucial for the safety and efficiency of any construction project. In this blog, John Burke Associatesexplains your key responsibilities to your workers.
Understanding UK Laws on Low-Temperature Working
In the UK, while there is no legal minimum outdoor working temperature, the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992mandate that employers provide a ‘reasonable‘ workingtemperature. For constructionsites, this means employers must assess risks and implement reasonable measures to protect workers from the cold. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides guidance on working in cold conditions, emphasising the need for risk assessment and management.
Employer and Site Manager Responsibilities
Employers and site managers have a legal obligation to ensure the health and safety of their workers. This includes:
Risk Assessment:
Identifying potential hazards associated with low temperatures and snow, including risks of slips, trips, falls, frostbite, or hypothermia.
Providing Appropriate PPE:
Ensuring all workers have access to suitable personal protective equipment (PPE), such as insulated gloves, waterproof boots, and thermal clothing.
Site Safety Measures:
Implementing safety measures like gritting for icysurfaces, providing sheltered areas, and ensuring that equipment is safe to use in coldconditions.
Training and Awareness:
Educating staff about the signs of coldstress and the importance of regularbreaks in warm areas.
General Advice for Working in Snow or Low Temperatures
Working in coldweather calls for specific precautions:
Stay Warm and Dry:
Layer clothing to stay warm and dry. Waterproof and windproof outer layers are essential.
Regular Breaks:
Take regularbreaks in heated areas to prevent cold stress.
Stay Hydrated and Energised:
Drink warm fluids and eat high-energy foods to maintainenergylevels.
Clear Snow and Ice:
Keep workingareas clear of snow and ice to prevent accidents.
Check Weather Forecasts:
Be prepared and adaptable to changing weather conditions.
Conclusion
Working in construction during snow or lowtemperatures in the UK requires careful planning and adherence to safetystandards. By understanding the legal framework, fulfilling employer responsibilities, and following general safety advice, constructionsites can maintain productivity while ensuring the wellbeing of all personnel. Remember, the key to successful winter construction is preparation, awareness, and ongoing vigilance against the unique challenges posed by cold weather. Stay safe and stay informed!
