The final report on the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety - Building a Safer Future (aka The Hackitt Report) was published on 16 May, just under a year after the tragic events at Grenfell Tower.

The report calls for a “radical rethink” of the regulatory system and construction sector’s approach to fire safety in higher risk residential buildings (HRRBs). It does not pull any punches. It attributes industry failings to matters such as ignorance, indifference, lack of clarity about rules and responsibilities, inadequate regulatory oversight and enforcement and a failing building industry with a “race to the bottom” culture that prioritises profit over safety. Whilst the report focuses on the effect of these issues on HRRBs, it is adamant that the findings could be of wider application and states that reform of the procurement process should be adopted by the government not just for HRRBs, but also for other multi‑occupancy and institutional residential buildings.

Is the government inclined to support the findings of the report or will it just “cherry pick” the easy wins? Will there be legislative change? That remains to be seen

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