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Abstract

The Building Safety Act 2022 represents a significant legislative reform aimed at rectifying the deficiencies and failures in building safety procedures that were exposed by incidents such as the Grenfell Tower disaster. This comprehensive act encompasses the entire lifecycle of buildings, spanning from initial planning and design to construction and ongoing maintenance. Its implementation carries implications for various stakeholders, including developers, architects, contractors, and landlords.

This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the Building Safety Act 2022, exploring its key provisions, objectives, and potential impacts on the building industry. The act's primary goals include enhancing the safety and well-being of individuals living in high-rise residential structures and strengthening accountability within the construction sector. The Act introduces a framework for effective oversight through the establishment of regulatory bodies, including the Building Safety Inspector, National Building Products Inspector, and New Home Ombudsman. 

By analyzing the Act's implications, this paper aims to shed light on its potential to transform building practices, improve management procedures, and ultimately prevent disasters such as the Grenfell Tower collapse. The Act's focus on accountability, enforcement of regulations, and insulation of tenants from costs associated with safety deficiencies reflects a progressive approach toward building safety in the United Kingdom.

Despite the Act's potential benefits, challenges persist in enforcing building codes and regulations effectively. The paper acknowledges the continuous failures experienced in the construction industry worldwide, often attributed to shortcomings in codes, standards, and enforcement mechanisms. The Building Safety Act 2022 stands as an ambitious effort to address these challenges, ushering in a new era of safer and more resilient buildings.

This research contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the Building Safety Act 2022 and its implications for high-rise and high-risk buildings. By reviewing historical building acts, assessing their impacts, and examining enforcement mechanisms, the study seeks to provide valuable insights into the future of building safety regulation. Through a critical examination of the Act's potential strengths and limitations, this paper aims to inform discussions surrounding building safety practices and regulations in the United Kingdom.

Course: Construction Project Management - MSc - C1659

Date Deposited: 2023-11-07

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis14259.html