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Independent metallurgical specialist, Keighley Laboratories, points out that with growing volumes of steel, alloys and metal components being sourced in the Far East from comparatively unknown suppliers, and manufacturers in this country ultimately responsible for any component failures, there is now a pressing need to re-inspect, or overcheck, material certifications. In support of this view, the company draws attention to a recent US study, in which 133 out of 220 samples of imported steel rod were rated as failures by a certified test laboratory, an astonishing 60% failure rate.

Set against this there are a number of key areas where we want to explore the potential for deregulation and streamlining of the existing provisions. In particular, representations made to Government demonstrate concern with the costs imposed on electricians by part P (electrical safety—dwellings). We believe it is now time to evaluate the building regulations’ contribution to the safety outcomes they were intended to support and, if we are to retain regulation of this kind, how we might minimise the associated costs.

The programme I am setting out today has been arrived at after active engagement with our external partners. A key theme to emerge from this process has been that these partners believe that although the regime is generally fit for purpose, there are things we can improve. This confirms the Department’s belief that the building regulations should remain the national minimum standard that building work should comply with. While much of the programme of work is deregulatory in nature, it will, however, include work to deliver our commitment to increase energy efficiency through part L (conservation of fuel and power). This will represent our next steps towards zero-carbon buildings and will also provide an opportunity to consider provisions for the existing stock in the light of the Government’s emerging policies on reducing carbon emissions, including the green deal. We will also explore how better to ensure high levels of compliance.

Therefore, the Modern Building Alliance supports the idea suggested by the European Copper Institute and the Federation for the Safety of Electricity Users (Fisuel) that fire and electrical safety should be part of the social dimension of EU energy policy, and be addressed together with energy poverty.

In June, a new Right to Energy coalition brought together unions, environmental NGOs, energy cooperatives, ombudsmen and anti-poverty organisations to defend the right to affordable, renewable energy for all Europeans in the 2030 EU energy package. As the European Parliament gears up to vote on these critical energy files, political groups are joining the effort to support our demands. The transition must benefit the most vulnerable: let's seize the chance to build a better future for all!

The Energy Education Council (EEC) is an internationally recognized leader in providing a wealth of safety, efficiency, and renewable energy information. EEC was created and is supported by a diverse group of organizations united by mutually important consumer issues. Our mission is to create a safer, smarter world by providing life-saving, energy-saving, and cost-saving information and resources.