6. Statement by the Minister for Housing and Local Government: The Welsh Government Response to the Building Safety Expert Group's Roadmap

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:04 pm on 21 May 2019.

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Photo of John Griffiths John Griffiths Labour 5:04, 21 May 2019

May I thank the Minister for her statement today and welcome that, and also the work of the building safety expert group? Obviously, the committee I Chair, the Equality, Local Government and Communities Committee, has taken a very strong interest in these matters, which are very urgent and serious matters, as we've already discussed today. It is really a matter of safety, and, obviously, that is of paramount importance—the safety of residents in high-rise buildings in Wales. It is a question of getting the balance, I accept that, in the need for urgency to address these very serious matters, but, at the same time, ensuring that we get it right. Indeed, there will be a mix of shorter term, medium term and longer term work, I'm sure.

I would like to echo what David Melding said, really, which is that back in April, Minister, you did make a statement on publication of the road map—that you would take time to reflect on the group's recommendations and then share a response with the Assembly in May, and that as part of that there would be a clear project plan, establishing priorities and timelines for next steps. So, it is a little disappointing today that we're not in a position to have that clarity. I hear what you say in terms of sharing the content of what has been decided upon to date. That would be welcome. But given that that expectation had been raised, it is a little disappointing that we're not in that position today. If there's any more you can say in terms of what's changed between now and then to give rise to that situation, I would be grateful for that.