The Government has announced further measures to strengthen building safety across England, including the appointment of an independent Chief Construction and Scientific Advisor and the introduction of the Building Safety Levy.

Professor Sergio Cavalaro, Professor of Infrastructure Systems at Loughborough University’s School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering, has been appointed to the newly established advisory role for a three-year term.

The appointment forms part of the Government’s wider programme of building safety reform and responds to a recommendation made by the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. The Inquiry followed the devastating fire in June 2017, which claimed 72 lives and highlighted significant failings in building safety regulation and oversight.

In his new role, Professor Cavalaro will provide independent scientific, engineering and construction expertise to inform Government policy and decision-making. His responsibilities will include advising on the safety, quality and resilience of buildings, alongside opportunities to improve productivity across the wider built environment.

The appointment also recognises the importance of independent technical expertise in supporting effective regulation, raising industry standards and delivering lasting improvements to building safety.

Vital role

Baroness Blake, Minister for Building Safety, Fire and Resilience, commented: “Delivering safer buildings and protecting residents from costs remains our priority as we drive forward our building safety reforms. The Building Safety Levy is a key part of that mission.”

Further, Baroness Blake stated: “I’m thrilled to confirm the appointment of the Chief Construction and Scientific Advisor. Sergio will play a vital role in shaping our reforms to ensure that safety, robust regulation and high standards are at the core of the built environment sector.”

The Chief Construction and Scientific Advisor will also support the delivery of the remaining Grenfell Tower Public Inquiry recommendations and regulatory reform, acting as a bridge between Government, regulators, industry, professional and trade bodies, academia and residents.

Cavalaro will take on the role on a full-time basis, working closely with the interim Chief Construction Advisor, namely Thouria Istephan, across the next month to ensure a thorough handover period.

Improving safety and resilience

Speaking about his new role, Sergio Cavalaro explained: “I’m delighted to join the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) in the role of Chief Construction and Scientific Advisor. I’m wholly committed to working with the Building Safety Regulator and across the wider sector to improve the safety, quality, resilience and productivity of the built environment.”  

In conclusion, Cavalaro noted: “I look forward to providing independent advice and constructive challenge, while also contributing to cross-Government priorities through the network of Chief Scientific Advisors.”

Building Safety Levy introduced

Alongside the appointment, the Building Safety Levy came into force on 1 October, introducing a charge on eligible new residential developments.

The Levy is intended to ensure that the development industry contributes towards the cost of addressing historic building safety defects, reducing the financial burden on leaseholders and taxpayers.

The Government expects the Levy to raise approximately £3.4 billion over the next ten years, with funding directed towards essential building safety remediation, including the removal of dangerous cladding from affected residential buildings.

The introduction of the Levy represents a further step in the Government’s efforts to address outstanding building safety issues and establish clearer financial accountability within the construction sector.

Strengthening building safety standards

Together, these developments form part of the Government’s ongoing response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and its commitment to improving safety, accountability and regulatory oversight across the built environment.

Cross-Government network  

Professor Angela McLean, the Government’s Chief Scientific Advisor, said: “Congratulations to Professor Sergio Cavalaro on being appointed as the Chief Construction and Scientific Advisor at the MHCLG. He has led scientific research on several key areas related to the built environment. I look forward to working with him as part of the cross-Government network of chief scientists, where his expertise will be of great value.”

Building Safety Regulator chair Lord Roe stated: “At the Building Safety Regulator, we welcome the appointment of Sergio to this critical role. I look forward to engaging him on the work that we’re conducting so that we can benefit from his extensive experience in the built environment.”

The Fire Industry Association (FIA) recognises the importance of robust building safety standards, appropriate technical expertise and clear accountability in protecting people and property from fire.

Continued collaboration between Government, regulators, the construction sector and the fire safety industry will be essential to ensuring that reforms deliver meaningful and lasting improvements to building safety.

View the source.

Our eNews provides regular insight into industry trends, news headlines, and product and service information. For more articles like this Subscribe to our enews.