Initial Delays and Improving Efficiency
When the BSR first assumed control over higher-risk buildings, delays in processing applications were significant. In the early stages, it took around 30 weeks for the regulator to review applications and decide whether projects could move forward into construction. These delays, while frustrating for developers, were a result of a combination of factors, including resource constraints at collaborating authorities and the poor quality of some applications.
However, there has been significant progress in reducing these delays. Albon reported that the average time taken to process applications has now dropped to around 16 weeks, a marked improvement. This reduction is a positive sign that the regulatory system is becoming more efficient, though Albon pointed out that delays still occur due to ongoing resource challenges.
“One of the key issues we face is the strain on co-regulators’ capacity, particularly when it comes to identifying and assigning the right personnel from local authorities and fire and rescue services,” Albon explained. This challenge is not due to a lack of willingness or effort from those authorities but is a result of the pressures these agencies face in managing their own workloads.
Quality of Applications Remains a Concern
Despite these improvements, there is still a major concern regarding the quality of the applications being submitted by developers. According to Albon, a significant proportion of applications continue to fail to meet the new safety standards required under the building regulations. Currently, around 40% of the cases examined by the BSR still do not demonstrate that the proposed buildings will meet the necessary safety and design criteria.
This failure to meet the required standards often leads to delays, increased costs, and concerns about the long-term safety of the buildings. Albon, however, stressed that this level of scrutiny is crucial, stating, “If we saw everything just sail through, you’d have to say, ‘Is this regulatory regime going to make a difference?’” She emphasised that it is better to take the time to ensure that buildings are safe than to rush through the process and risk repeating the mistakes of the past.
Staffing Challenges at the HSE
Another key issue facing the HSE in its regulatory role is staffing. Albon admitted that the HSE is grappling with an inexperienced workforce, with a higher-than-ideal ratio of newly-qualified inspectors compared to more experienced professionals. This is a direct result of recruitment freezes over the past decade, which has left the agency with a backlog of inspector training and development needs.
The consequence of this is that experienced inspectors have had to spend a disproportionate amount of their time mentoring and training new recruits rather than focusing on their own inspections. While this is important for the long-term development of the team, it has undoubtedly impacted the HSE’s ability to fully streamline its inspection processes.
The Road Ahead: Balancing Safety with Efficiency
While the initial hurdles have caused some disruption, Albon reaffirmed that the regulatory changes introduced by the BSR are absolutely necessary for ensuring the safety of higher-risk buildings. Despite the challenges, the process of thorough scrutiny is a key part of the system’s success. The HSE is committed to improving its processes and reducing delays, but it’s clear that safety must always come first.
Looking ahead, the HSE and the BSR are working to enhance their efficiency and address the issues that have arisen during this early phase. For the construction industry, this means that while there may be delays and obstacles in the short term, the goal is to create a safer and more robust regulatory environment that will prevent future tragedies like Grenfell Tower from occurring.
Conclusion
The Building Safety Regulator has made significant strides in its role since taking over responsibility for higher-risk building projects, but there are still challenges to be addressed. Delays in processing applications, poor-quality submissions, and staffing shortages are all contributing factors to the growing pains of this regulatory system.
However, as the system matures and more experienced staff are brought on board, these challenges are expected to reduce. For now, developers must be prepared for a more rigorous review process, one that prioritises safety and accountability over speed.
In the long term, the government’s regulatory changes are intended to create a safer environment for both workers and occupants in high-rise buildings. While the journey may be bumpy, the emphasis on thorough checks and robust safety standards is a step in the right direction for the UK’s building safety culture.