By 30th September 2023, all high-rise residential buildings in the UK must be registered with the Building Safety Regulator (BSR). This landmark initiative represents a significant stride towards ensuring the safety of high-rise residents from unsafe building practices.
The tragedy at Grenfell Tower in 2017, which resulted in the loss of 72 lives and left countless others displaced1, served as a grim reminder of the potential consequences of inadequate building safety standards. In the aftermath of this catastrophe, there has been a collective resolve to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. With this in mind, this new initiative is a proactive step towards creating a safer living environment for residents and bolstering public confidence in the safety of these structures.
What is the BSR?
The BSR is an independent body set-up by the Building Safety Act 2022 and part of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)2. As part of this reform, the BSR will have 3 main functions3:
- Overseeing the safety and standards of all buildings.
- Helping and encouraging the built environment industry and building control professionals to improve their competence.
- Leading implementation of the new regulatory framework for high-rise buildings.
In terms of their remit, the BSR will regulate high-rise buildings, these are buildings with 7 or more storeys or that are 18 metres or higher. Any hospitals or care home that hit the same height threshold will also be scrutinised (during design and construction)4.
The registration process will require building owners or responsible parties to submit comprehensive information about their structures, including design specifications, safety features, and evacuation plans. This centralised database will allow the regulator to better monitor and manage building safety, identifying potential risks and enforcing necessary improvements5.
Implications?
The implications of this registration mandate go beyond just ensuring the safety of residents. The initiative is also expected to have broader impacts on the housing market and the construction industry. For one, the registration process may necessitate safety upgrades in older buildings that do not meet current standards. This could lead to significant investments in building improvements and refurbishments. On the other hand, potential buyers and renters might place more trust in registered buildings, leading to increased demand for safer living spaces and potentially higher property values.
While the deadline is fast approaching, it is essential for building owners to prioritise their registration process and diligently comply with the guidelines set forth by the BSR. A failure to register by the stipulated date may result in penalties and other legal repercussions, highlighting the seriousness with which the Government regards this issue6.
Closing thoughts
In conclusion, the deadline for registering high-rise residential buildings with the BSR is an important milestone in the UK's journey towards enhanced building safety. By ensuring that all buildings meet the necessary safety standards, the UK is positioning itself as a global leader in building safety regulation, setting an example for other countries to follow.
If you haven’t already, make sure you register your high rise building here before the deadline: Register a high-rise residential building - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
