Property Done Properly: Government Silence on Construction Product Testing Review Raises Concerns

Introduction:

In the wake of the tragic Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, the UK government commissioned the Independent Review of the Construction Products Testing Regime, led by Paul Morrell OBE and Anneliese Day KC. The review aimed to strengthen the country's system for testing the safety of construction products. However, despite the critical nature of the findings, a recent Commons select committee session revealed a concerning lack of government engagement. This article delves into the details of the review, the subsequent silence from the government, and the implications for the construction industry.

The Review's Background:

The Independent Review, largely completed at the end of 2021, underwent a year of scrutiny by the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) before its finalization at the end of 2022. The report was eventually published in April 2023, shedding light on potential reforms to enhance the safety of construction products.

Government's Absence:

During a recent evidence session with the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee, Paul Morrell expressed his disappointment at the lack of government engagement. The review's co-author disclosed that, apart from a meeting on the day of the report's publication, there had been no dialogue with the government until last week. This revelation raises concerns about the government's commitment to addressing the critical issues highlighted in the review.

Industry's Response:

In contrast to the government's silence, the construction industry actively engaged with the review in June, indicating a willingness to collaborate and address the identified shortcomings in the testing regime. This disconnect between the government and industry response poses a challenge to achieving effective reforms in the construction sector.

Disappointment in Government's Response:

Morrell emphasized the importance of the review's terms of reference, which included the expectation of a published report and a subsequent government response. However, when Morrell inquired about the expected response in September, he was informed that the government's public position was to forego a response. Instead, they referred him to the secretary of state's press release, which vaguely promised recommendations for reform "in due course." This lack of commitment and clarity from the government is disheartening and raises questions about accountability.

Prospectus for Reform:

Morrell disclosed that he was informed about the potential issuance of a "prospectus for reform" before or after Christmas. While this may offer a glimmer of hope for progress, the delay and ambiguity surrounding the government's response are troubling. A dialogue between the authors and the DLUHC about the review's recommendations and the government's response is essential for ensuring that meaningful reforms are implemented promptly.

Industry-Government Collaboration:

To achieve genuine progress in construction product safety, a collaborative approach between industry experts and government officials is crucial. The lack of ongoing dialogue between the authors of the review and the DLUHC impedes the development of effective strategies to address the identified shortcomings. A transparent and communicative relationship will foster trust and enable a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges and potential solutions.

Conclusion:

The government's failure to engage promptly and meaningfully with the findings of the Independent Review of the Construction Products Testing Regime is a cause for concern. As the construction industry actively seeks reforms and improvements, the government's delayed response and vague promises for the future hinder progress. A robust and transparent collaboration between industry experts and government officials is essential for implementing effective changes that prioritize the safety of construction products. The construction sector, and indeed the public at large, deserve a government response that reflects a commitment to learning from past failures and ensuring a safer built environment for all.

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Ian J. Rogers

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Accreditations

BSc Quantity Surveying

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