Building safety

What is the Building Safety Act?

The Building Safety Act sets out safety requirements for landlords of high-rise buildings. The Act strengthens arrangements for the safety of people in or about buildings and improves the standards of buildings. 

High-rise buildings are:

• at least 18m or 7 storeys high,
• with two or more residential units.

The safety rules cover the different stages of building:

• design stage
• planning stage
• construction stage
• whilst tenants and leaseholders live in a building

The council manages 78 high-rise buildings. The Act came fully into effect in April 2024.

You can also read the Council's Building Safety Act and Building Safety Pledge.

How will we assess and manage building safety risk?

One of the biggest changes the Act makes is the need for landlords to assess building safety risk. They must look at the whole building, not just fire safety or parts of it.

Landlords have to develop an approach and complete ‘Safety Case Reports’ on all the taller blocks that fall under the Act. A Safety Case Report is a document that outlines how a building's fire safety and structural integrity risks are identified, managed, and mitigated.

We have appointed a specialist company. It is training staff on how to complete a safety case review. The training uses a methodology adopted from industries like Nuclear, Rail, and Oil/Gas. These industries have long-established safety cases.

The council are developing IT solutions to complete the reviews and capture the information.

In addition, there are many ongoing activities that contribute to managing building safety risk. We meet regularly with key stakeolders and resident groups to set our strategy and monitor our progress.

We have also issued Building Safety Information Packs which provide detailed information on building safety advice.

How will this be regulated?

The way in which landlords are being regulated and scrutinised is being strengthened. We are using regulator guidance and principles when developing approaches to building safety.

We are also required to be clear on who is accountable for safety. The London Borough of Tower Hamlets, as the buildings' owner, is the 'Principal Accountable Person.' It must assess building safety and ensure safety.

We must carry out activities like inspections, considering risk, and delivering necessary safety works. So, we have recruited additional staff with the right skills to ensure this.

We are using regulator guidance and principles for building safety. This includes their strategic plan, cost-benefit analysis, and a Residents Panel report.

More information about the Bill

• Building Safety Bill
• Other Building Safety Bill Factsheets

How does this affect new builds?

The council is developing new buildings and, under the Act, has some more things to do to check the buildings are ready for occupation. New build completion certificates are required which involves some more detailed assessments before any of the properties are let.

Responsibilities of tenants and leaseholders

The Act outlines what tenants and leaseholders must do around:

• personal building safety responsibilities for your home and communal areas,
• ongoing building safety costs (payable by leaseholders who have leases for at least 7 years).

Works Delivery Programme

We have a works delivery programme already in place which is designed to replace parts of buildings and materials as they come to the end of their life.

We use Fire Risk Assessments, External Wall Surveys, and Building Surveys to find needed works. So, we are constantly updating and re-prioritising the works delivery programme.

Complaints and resident voice

Residents can utilise the usual complaints process to make complaints regarding these activities. We will continue to publicise this process and inform residents of their rights. They can approach their elected Members, the council, the London Fire Brigade, the Housing Ombudsman, and Regulators.

In summary

Building safety is familiar to us. However, the Act enhances its focus and importance. We benefit from strong partnerships, especially with the London Fire Brigade and the council.

The blocks have been invested in over time. The council has funded fire and building safety works.

We have a strong bond with its residents. They give their time, knowledge, and skills to create great homes, communities, and services.

If you have any questions or concerns on building safety please ask. Staff will be happy to help.