4. Statement by the Minister for Housing and Local Government: The Building Safety Regime White Paper

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:36 pm on 19 January 2021.

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Photo of Mandy Jones Mandy Jones UKIP 4:36, 19 January 2021

Let me first of all declare an interest, in that I reside, in normal times, in one of the blocks that are the subject of the review of building safety in Cardiff. Minister, I welcome news of the White Paper today, some three and a half years on from those terrible scenes in London. I note that the number of such dwellings in Wales is much lower. However, the same protection should be afforded to all residents of these blocks, wherever they are. So, I welcome your stated intention to coincide with UK legislation and direction of travel where it is appropriate to do so.

I see that much progress has been made in rectifying some of the outstanding issues with existing buildings and that plans are in place for some, in the interests of residents who are badly affected in terms of their feelings of safety and security. When do you envisage that all relevant work will be completed? I'm also aware of residents in blocks where issues have been dealt with, but where fire safety certificates are actually defective. This means that their properties are unmortgageable, and they are stuck, literally with no way of moving on with their lives or their plans. So, how is this going to be addressed?

Considering the time left available to us in the Senedd term, it is right that the next Welsh Government remains obligated to put measures in place to make sure every building is safe and secure for its residents, so I look forward to seeing the results of the consultation on this White Paper and the embedding of building safety practices that we can be proud of, going forward. Thank you.