What discussions has the Minister had with developers and leaseholders regarding the implications of the Building Safety Act 2022?
The Welsh Government has always been clear that developers should put right issues with buildings, and we continue to pursue those who refuse to take responsibility, but we have also been clear that leaseholders should not have to pay to put right defects that are not of their making. We have therefore committed £375m over the next three years to fund the remediation of fire safety defects with existing buildings.
The Building Safety Act 2022 includes a number of provisions intended to add further protection for leaseholders in Wales:
- The significant extension of time periods within which action can be taken under the Defective Premises Act 1972.
- The provision of ‘anti-avoidance’ building liability clauses where developers have sought to limit liability through the creation of contractual arrangements such as special purpose vehicles.
- The provisions in the Act providing for there to be a New Homes Ombudsman will also apply to Wales.
We are now looking to bring about the changes to the building control system and building regulations via the development of secondary legislation. This will include consultation with stakeholders and the public on the key matters.