The Welsh Parliament has passed the Building Safety (Wales) Bill, marking a significant step in strengthening protections for residents in their homes. The legislation is one of the most substantial Bills considered by the Senedd and introduces a comprehensive new building safety regime for residents of shared buildings across Wales, regardless of height or tenure.

The Bill is broader in scope than equivalent legislation in England and reflects the Welsh Government’s commitment to embedding building safety as a core principle in the management of homes and buildings.

The legislation follows the Grenfell Tower fire in June 2017, in which 72 people lost their lives, and aims to ensure that the systemic failures identified following the tragedy cannot be repeated in Wales.

The Building Safety (Wales) Bill is underpinned by three key principles:

Safety
Fire risk assessments must be carried out by competent persons, with criminal penalties for non-compliance. This directly addresses concerns raised by the Grenfell Tower Inquiry regarding the competence of those undertaking assessments.

Accountability
The Bill establishes clear legal duties for those responsible for managing buildings, removing ambiguity around who is accountable for building safety risks.

Resident voice
Residents will have clearer routes to raise concerns and seek redress, alongside greater involvement in decisions affecting their homes. Guidance will also support residents in contributing to a safer living environment.

Landmark moment

Jayne Bryant, Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, said: “This is a landmark moment for building safety in Wales. The legislation delivers a new building safety regime for residents across Wales, regardless of building type, height or tenure and goes further than anything that exists elsewhere in the UK.”

Bryant continued: “None of this would have been possible without the support and expertise of so many partners. I want to pay particular tribute to the three Welsh Fire and Rescue Services and the many residents and leaseholders who shared their lived experiences with us. Their voices have shaped this legislation and will continue to matter as we implement it.”

In conclusion, Bryant noted: “By passing this Bill, we’ve taken a huge step forward in ensuring that the people of Wales are safe in their homes.”

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