9. Welsh Conservatives Debate: Building Safety Act 2022

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:45 pm on 16 November 2022.

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Photo of Jane Dodds Jane Dodds Liberal Democrat 5:45, 16 November 2022

I thank the Conservatives for bringing this debate here today. I have a very brief period of time, but we do know that, over five years ago, Grenfell happened, with 72 people dying in that. And in the initial findings from the inquiry, only from six days ago, Richard Millett, the counsel to the inquiry, said, 'Every single death was avoidable'. The final report, as we know, is due in October 2023.

Here in the Senedd, we can see the flats affected by poor building safety standards. Many of us, I know—and I know the same is the case with yourself, Minister—have met with those people affected, and in Swansea as well. The arguments for action have been well rehearsed, and we need to see it happen now. I'm not wanting to blame anyone. We need to work together on this to move this forward, to make sure that the people in Wales have the same rights, remedies and protections as leaseholders in England. 

Finishing, may I use the words of Richard Millett again? He said in the inquiry, which was only six days ago, after four and a half years of the inquiry, he admitted his initial fears that the process would become a 'merry-go-round of buck-passing'. Unfortunately, he felt that that had been confirmed. I really don't want to see that here in Wales, and I do want to see some action. I look forward to hearing from the Minister later. Thank you. Diolch yn fawr iawn.