What's Happening?
The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) has addressed concerns regarding the impact of the collapse of Assent Building Compliance on its backlog of gateway two applications. Assent, along with its subsidiaries Oculus Building Consultancy Ltd and LB Building Control
Ltd, was involved in numerous building control applications as registered building control approvers (RBCAs). Despite the collapse, the BSR has stated that only a limited number of its schemes are affected, and the overall program to eliminate the backlog by January remains on track. The BSR is working to reallocate projects and secure resources to minimize delays, ensuring continuity in the process.
Why It's Important?
The collapse of Assent Building Compliance could have significant implications for the construction industry, particularly in the management of high-risk building projects. The BSR's ability to maintain its timeline for clearing the backlog is crucial for the timely progression of numerous construction projects, which include thousands of homes. The situation highlights the dependency on private sector firms for building control and the potential challenges when such entities face operational difficulties. The reallocation of projects to local authorities and private firms could strain resources and impact project timelines, affecting developers and stakeholders involved in these projects.
What's Next?
The BSR is actively engaging with registered building inspectors and other stakeholders to manage the transition of projects previously handled by Assent. Discussions with local authorities and private building control firms are ongoing to develop a plan to address the situation. The reallocation of projects is expected to continue, with the BSR aiming to prevent any significant delays in its overall work. The outcome of these efforts will be closely monitored by industry stakeholders, as it could set a precedent for handling similar situations in the future.
Beyond the Headlines
The collapse of Assent Building Compliance underscores the importance of robust regulatory frameworks and contingency planning in the construction industry. It raises questions about the reliance on private firms for critical regulatory functions and the need for effective oversight to ensure continuity in building safety processes. The situation may prompt a reevaluation of the roles and responsibilities of private and public entities in building control, potentially leading to policy changes aimed at enhancing resilience and accountability in the sector.
