The Building Regulations Advisory Committee Neil Cooper Chair

1. The Building Regulations Advisory Committee Neil Cooper Chair

2. BRAC Set up in 1962 under the Public Health Act Now authorised by the Building Act 1984 Has a statutory role It’s a NDPB and a Scientific Advisory Committee Sponsored by Communities and Local Government Background

3. BRAC “To advise the Secretary of State on the exercise of his power to make building regulations and other subjects connected with the building regulations” The SoS must “consult with BRAC before making any substantive building regulations” BRAC doesn’t write the regulations BRAC doesn’t project manage the regulatory programme BRAC does provide expert support to this work BRAC has moved from reactive to strategic Role and Purpose

4. BRAC Members personally appointed by the Secretary of State Positions advertised No absolute numbers – currently 18 members Broad spectrum of experience and interest: Consumers House building Design Engineering Building control Fire safety Construction management 3 year appointment, max 10 yrs service Members serve in a personal capacity Who are they?

5. BRAC Defined by the Building Act Health, safety, welfare and convenience of people in and around buildings The conservation of fuel and power Preventing waste, undue consumption, misuse or contamination of water Furthering the protection or enhancement of the environment Facilitating sustainable development Furthering the prevention or detection of crime The Power to make Building Regulations

6. BRAC James Wharton is new to Building Regulations and learning quickly Summer recess post election – little time to focus on “non headline” policy areas No longer a coalition – potential impact on regulatory policy? Red tape reduction £10bn savings through cutting regulation “Productivity” agenda One in two out policy Guidance and standards are viewed as Regulation Resources 25% and 40% “real savings” plans for unprotected departments A new Government sets the context

7. BRAC BRAC work programme Cost effective carbon reduction “Productivity” agenda - building on the Housing Standards Review Reviewing the Building Control system Periodic reviews of the Requirements and Approved Documents – Part B A new Government sets the context

8. BRAC Feedback from Lakanhal House Inquest

9. BRAC Government response

10. BRAC Ministerial approval to proceed not yet given Usability study this winter - better, cost effective guidance that practically helps all users of the document. Not about content or policy. Background research in progress (fire statistics etc) Working group not yet formed Realistic timescale – 2 to 3 years from approval to proceed, dependent on resources Lots to consider if approval given Approved Document B – the current position

11. BRAC BRAC receives many views • Should Part B include • High integrity fire detection system in all new commercial premises to reduce false automatic fire alarm call outs • Sprinklers in warehousing over 4,000sqm • Fire ingress and the risks in combustible voids in modern constructions • Are there higher priority issues? • High risk premises and potential for multiple life loss • Sprinklers in new homes • Effectiveness of horizontal compartmentation • Or is Part B still fit for purpose? • Year on year reduction in life loss (for a variety of reasons) • Alternative methods - behavioural change

12. BRAC Thank You