The announcement about building safety made by housing secretary Robert Jenrick on January 20 has given the industry greater understanding of the forthcoming legislation for “residential” multi-occupancy buildings and the advice to existing building owners.

I say “residential” because the consolidated advice note issued by MHCLG on the same day makes it clear that it relates not only to dwellings (apartment blocks) but also to institutional residential buildings including hospitals. It further states that the advice relates to buildings of all heights and not just those over 18m. Previously the advice on facades focused on buildings over 18m.

The proposed Fire Safety Bill, also announced by Jenrick, will ensure that periodic fire risk assessments include facades and flat entrance doors, where previously they typically did not. These assessments, of course, will apply to relevant buildings of all heights.

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