The construction industry remains overshadowed by the lasting impact of the Grenfell Tower disaster. Anticipation is high for the second and final report of the Inquiry, which is not expected to be published before 2024. This uncertainty compounds the situation as the Building Safety Act 2022 continues to be gradually implemented, whilst further statutory instruments are yet to be introduced.

Despite the absence of a clear timetable, secondary legislation is anticipated to include a range of crucial matters not fully in force, including the “gateway regime”, the “golden thread” information, the Building Safety Levy, as well as the registration of building inspectors.

Given the absence of a clear timetable, delays are expected in the intended safety changes. Local authorities should, nonetheless, proactively prepare and ensure they remain up-to-date with the latest reforms, given that various changes will be likely implemented at short notice as statutory instruments are introduced.

Furthermore, local government clients will be pleased to hear of the upcoming release of the new Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT) suite, confirmed for publication next year. This suite will subsequently become the JCT forms of building contracts, 2024 Editions.

Capsticks will, of course, closely monitor any developments and will promptly relay these to our clients.

Local Government Forward View 2023

This article is part of Capsticks’ Local Government Forward View 2023. Read the other articles featured in this publication below:

• Combined Authorities
• Investment Zones
• Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill
• Online Safety Bill
• Environmental Impact Assessments
• Procurement Bill
• Industrial action
• The conflict between trans rights and religion or belief
• Public service pension scheme reform

How Capsticks can help

To discuss how this may affect your organisation, please get in touch with David Firth, Mathieu Quenin or Tiffany Cloynes.