GOVE URGES PROSECUTIONS

Bring criminal prosecutions against Grenfell Tower cladding firms, urges Gove

The former housing secretary claimed attempts to punish Kingspan, Arconic and Celotex when he was in government had been blocked.

Former housing secretary Michael Gove has said criminal prosecutions should be brought against Grenfell Tower cladding firms.

Companies that are “still making vast profits without acknowledging their full responsibility” must also be punished financially, he suggested.

Writing in the Sunday Times, Mr Gove claimed attempts to punish Kingspan, Arconic and Celotex when he was in government had been blocked by “bureaucracies”.

There was “insufficient action” from foreign governments on responsible companies based abroad, he said, adding that attempts to restrict imports of their products ran up against the “commercial purism of Treasury Mandarin Brain”.

The final report of the Grenfell Inquiry, published last week, said the west London tower block was covered in combustible products because of the “systematic dishonesty” of firms who made and sold the cladding and insulation.

Kingspan had, from 2005 and even after the inquiry began in the wake of the fire, “knowingly created a false market in insulation” for use on buildings over 18 metres tall (59ft), it said.

Celotex then, in an attempt to break into the market created by Kingspan, “embarked on a dishonest scheme to mislead its customers and the wider market”, inquiry chairman Sir Martin Moore-Bick said.

Mr Gove apologised to the relatives and survivors of the tragedy who were

“let down by successive governments, including governments of which I was a part”.

Companies which manufactured materials used on the tower have “still not shown proper awareness of their guilt, contrition for their crimes or restitution for their wrongs”, he added.

“Because Kingspan is based in Ireland, and Arconic’s European operations and Celotex are in France, our jurisdiction was limited. But we were determined to go after them,” Mr Gove said.

The former Conservative Party leadership hopeful pressured Ulster Rugby and Mercedes’ F1 team, asking them to reconsider their relationship with Irish insulation firm Kingspan in 2021.

Last year, he warned shareholders in cladding companies that the firms will face “severe consequences” if no post-Grenfell financial support package is forthcoming.

Mr Gove said taking the “necessary action” against cladding firms “will require toughness… I know there will be voices opposed to robust action”.

“You cannot purchase prosperity at the price of justice. Those who are the guiltiest must pay, and pay the most,” he added.

Speaking to the BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg, The Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said

“appropriate cases should go through to court”.

“The worst we could do is say or do anything which would prejudice the outcome of any proceedings,” he added.

Source: Shropshire Star

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Liverpool’s Ground-Breaking New Home

Mayor to reveal ground-breaking new home that will revolutionise house building and deliver skilled jobs and zero-energy-bill homes (issued on behalf of FUTURE HOMES LIVERPOOL CITY REGION)

  • Two-storey purpose-built house will showcase how Liverpool City Region (LCR) aims to be the UK’s centre of excellence for offsite construction of new homes.
  • The low-energy, zero-carbon house has been built on the ACC Liverpool waterfront events campus using innovative construction methods.
  • Offsite construction speeds up building new homes, helps tackle the housing crisis, provides skilled jobs and reduces or removes energy bills.
  • Liverpool City Region Combined Authority brings together partners under Future Homes banner to coordinate new approach to housebuilding.
  • Mayor officially opened the house on Monday, September 9.

A major initiative aimed at revolutionising the housing sector by delivering innovative, zero-energy-bill homes is to be launched by Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram.

The Future Homes LCR plan, which will position the region as a centre of excellence for zero-carbon, low-energy-cost homes, will be officially unveiled today (Monday, September 9) at a specially constructed house built on the Liverpool waterfront outside the ACC conference centre, using Offsite Construction methods.

Miatta Fahnbulleh, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy and Security and Net Zero is also attending The Housing Community Summit on 9th September and being shown energy saving projects by Liverpool City Region and local companies.

The news of the zero bills homes will provide a major boost for the economy as well as generating significant energy saving benefits and carbon emission reductions. It is also proof that the city region is at the vanguard of meeting government targets to build new houses.

Mayor Steve Rotheram emphasised the potential of the flagship scheme:

“The country is in the throes of a housing crisis that is driving up prices, creating homelessness, and holding back our economic growth. For too long, we have faced national governments that have ignored the growing crisis, but we have a new government that wants to tackle it head on.

“Keir Starmer’s pledge to build 1.5 million homes is exactly the bold action we need, and I want as many of them to be built here in the Liverpool City Region as possible. With innovative solutions like modular construction, we can make a massive dent in that target and deliver homes faster, more affordably, and sustainably.

“As Mayor, I’m committed to overseeing an affordable housing revolution in our region – including the return of large-scale council house building. We’ve got the skills, the expertise, and the determination to make this a success, and we stand ready to work with the government and legislated providers to make it happen.

“Future Homes LCR shows exactly what’s possible when innovation and collaboration come together – creating a brighter, more sustainable future for everyone.”

The unveiling of the Future Homes LCR house coincides with the opening day of the Housing Community Summit, a joint event from the Chartered Institute of Housing and the National Housing Federation. The event brings together over 2,500 housing professionals, tenants and politicians, including a conference session with Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero and MP for Peckham, Miatta Fahnbulleh, under one roof at ACC Liverpool for the most collaborative event in housing.

Kate Henderson, Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation said:

“We’re honoured to have this new initiative launched at the first ever Housing Community Summit. We share a joint ambition with the Liverpool City Region to solve the housing crisis and deliver a generation of new social homes. It’s great to see how innovative construction methods, like the one unveiled today, can help us achieve this; providing energy efficient, affordable homes for those that need them.”

Gavin Smart, Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute for Housing, added:

“It is great to see Future Homes LCR’s commitment to delivering more housing. Embracing modern methods of construction highlights how building can happen at pace to provide the much-needed homes this country needs which also makes a significant contribution towards our national carbon reduction ambitions. Not only providing a decent, safe and affordable place to live but also highlighting the varied and fulfilling career opportunities the housing sector provides.”

Using innovative Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) such as offsite manufacture, houses can be completed within a week and have estimated heating, hot water, and lighting bills of £124-a-year – or even zero, in some cases.

The homes are constructed and part-assembled off site. The Future Homes LCR waterfront house has been built using a light-gauge steel frame, clad with insulation and brick slips to create a super-insulated, airtight building with an energy performance (EPC) rating of 100%.

The Future Homes LCR scheme is a public-private alliance which aims to accelerate the development of ultra-low-carbon housing across the region, offering a sustainable solution to the housing crisis.

The initiative brings together local experts in modular housing construction and national suppliers to support councils and social housing providers in addressing both housing shortages and labour challenges.

The two-storey house has been built by the Wirral-based Starship Group, one of the leading manufacturers of zero-carbon prefabricated housing components.

As well as providing a backdrop to the Housing Community Summit the house will remain in place during the period of the Labour Party Annual Conference from September 22 – 25. It will then be disassembled and rebuilt at Starship’s Wirral Waters campus and become a prototype house used to promote MMC, and for training purposes.

This type of three-bedroom family home, constructed in just one week at Starship’s factory at Wirral Waters and installed within a few days, would normally come with a 10-year guarantee from Octopus Energy, ensuring residents will not receive any energy bills for 10 years.

Equipped with solar panels, a heat pump and a battery, the house offers a glimpse into the future of sustainable living.

Liverpool City Council Leader and Lead Member for Innovation at Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Cllr Liam Robinson, said:

“We desperately need more homes to be built in Liverpool to ease the housing crisis and reduce the number of families on the waiting list for social housing. Working with our partners in the public and private sector, we are determined to deliver innovative solutions that are eco-friendly and energy efficient, helping us meet our ambitions around Net Zero and also cutting bills.”

Cabinet Member of the Combined Authority for Housing and Leader of Knowsley Council, Cllr Graham Morgan, said:

“I can testify that we really need to accelerate house building and affordable homes in our city region. We stand ready to play our part in building houses at scale and pace using modern methods of construction as this innovative show house demonstrates. It can and should be done to alleviate the housing crisis holding back growth and prosperity in so many of our communities’.”

A development of 13 modular homes, Greenleas, is already underway in Wallasey on the Wirral, also built by Starship Group and supported by £195,000 from the Liverpool City Region Brownfield Land Fund and Homes England.

Dave Dargan, Founder and CEO at Starship Group, said:

“These are exciting and challenging times, where combining innovative construction methods with new technologies, allows us to deliver next generation housing today. Low carbon living has always been part of Starship’s DNA. As one of the key partners of Future Homes Liverpool City Region, we can now showcase the region as a centre of excellence in delivering low-energy and zero bills’ homes. Building at scale and pace we can  provide housing that transforms people’s lives while making a major contribution to tackling the national housing crisis.”

Nigel Banks, Octopus Energy Zero Bills Technical Director, said:

“Homes without energy bills aren’t a distant dream – they’re a reality. ‘Octopus Zero Bills’ is turbo-charging the green housing revolution, unlocking the power of technology and cheap renewables to deliver no energy bills.

“Our work with Liverpool City Region and Starship demonstrates that Zero Bills homes are available now and aren’t just helping customers eliminate the cost of energy but making the grid greener and cheaper at the same time.”

The project exemplifies how modular construction can fast-track housing developments and significantly reduce carbon footprints, using 60% less carbon than traditional methods.

The build is part of a broader ambition to harness modular building techniques to make full use of the 700 brownfield sites in the Liverpool City Region, which have the potential to accommodate 42,000 homes.

Future Homes LCR is a joint effort between key figures and organisations in the region, including David Meyerowitz, Chair of the Liverpool City Region Business and Enterprise Board; Rachael Baker, Managing Director at JJ Smith; and Dave Dargan, Founder & CEO at Starship Group.

The alliance is set to help the Liverpool City Region meet its target of building 83,000 new homes by 2040, as outlined in the Combined Authority’s Spatial Development Strategy.

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Contracts Awarded to Main Grenfell Contractor Despite Bans

The building firm found to have borne “considerable responsibility” for the Grenfell fire with its “casual attitude to fire safety” was handed contracts worth tens of millions of pounds by councils, colleges and NHS trusts after the tragedy.

Property group Rydon was the lead contractor overseeing the refurbishment of Grenfell Tower between 2014 and 2016, including the installation of combustible cladding. The inquiry found that the firm should have been aware of “the risks of using combustible materials in the external walls of high-rise buildings”.

Founded in 1978, the Kent-based group has won construction and maintenance contracts mainly across London and south-east England. The Grenfell contract was delivered by Rydon Maintenance, one of its subsidiaries.

In June 2018, the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, signed an order saying that the construction arm of Rydon should not be permitted to bid for any contracts under a development scheme “until the Grenfell Tower inquiry has reported on the extent to which any Rydon group companies or employee contributed to ­causing or exacerbating the Grenfell Tower fire.”

The following year, the then housing secretary, Robert Jenrick, said that Rydon should not bid for further work “until we know the truth”. He wrote on Twitter, now X: “I understand why survivors and bereaved do not want to see public contracts awarded to the main contractor for the Grenfell Tower [refurbishment].”

In December 2021, Rydon Homes, another subsidiary, was blocked from the government’s help to buy loan scheme. Ministers said the decision had been made because of concerns over “unacceptable business practices” in the group.

Despite the bans in the wake of the fire, which killed 72 people in June 2017, Rydon subsequently picked up a string of multimillion-pound contracts, according to analysis by Stotles, a public sector procurement intelligence platform.

In September 2019, Maidstone council awarded Rydon a £9.9m ­contract for the building of a new innovation centre to serve as a hub for work in medtech, life science and healthcare. The council said its position in 2019 was that it had been “appropriate to wait until the public inquiry ran its course before making judgments”.

The next month, Labour-controlled Ealing council in west London awarded Rydon Construction a £99m contract for the regeneration of the 264-home High Lane estate, which was built in the 1970s and was plagued with damp and mould.

In 2021, Rydon transferred regeneration and construction projects to Real Contracting Group, which later collapsed into administration. Ealing council now states on its website: “Due to the council’s developing partner going into administration in late 2023, it is not known at this stage when the redevelopment will be complete.”

Liberal Democrat councillors have criticised the “appalling decisions” that were made in the choice of construction partners. Jon Ball, the Liberal Democrat opposition spokesperson on housing at Ealing council, said the choice of contractor had delayed the construction of hundreds of properties, with residents waiting for much-needed homes. He said: “It leaves questions to be answered about why Ealing’s Labour administration awarded a contract to Rydon in 2019 when they must have known the appalling Grenfell legacy.”

Also in 2019, the University of Bath awarded Rydon a £30m contract for the construction of a new automotive propulsion research facility, as part of the Institute for Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems.

Glass for the project was supplied by Saint-Gobain, a French multinational and former owner of Celotex, which manufactured the combustible insulation used at Grenfell.

The Rydon group has also won maintenance contracts with NHS trusts since the Grenfell fire, including a £4.3m contract awarded in April last year by Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS trust. Oxleas NHS foundation trust, which provides a range of healthcare services in south-east London, awarded Rydon Maintenance a £6.6m contract in July 2022.

The Guardian has previously revealed that about £250m in deals have been made with corporations involved in the refurbishment of Grenfell Tower in the past five years, based on searches of public contracts by the outsourcing data firm Tussell.

The Grenfell inquiry report found the Rydon team working on the Grenfell Tower project had been “notably inexperienced” and had lacked “even the most basic knowledge of the regulatory regime”.

The inquiry report strongly criticised Studio E, a now defunct architectural practice involved in the refurbishment, and Harley Facades, the cladding contractor. It also found that Arconic, the US firm which supplied the cladding panels, had sold them despite knowing the dangers; that insulation firm Celotex had “embarked on a dishonest scheme” to mislead customers; and that building products firm Kingspan had knowingly made a false claim about test results.

Arconic said its subsidiary Arconic Architectural Products did not mislead or conceal information, and that its product was legal to sell in the UK; Kingspan said it had long acknowledged “unacceptable historical failings” which were not reflective of the overall group; and Celotex said it had since reviewed its marketing and process controls to meet best industry practice.

Keir Starmer said after the Grenfell inquiry report was published that the government would write to all companies found by the inquiry to have been part of the “horrific failings”. He said it would be a “first step to stopping them being awarded government contracts”.

Ealing said it had initially selected Rydon as a partner on the High Lane development in April 2017, prior to the fire. The council said Rydon was no longer involved in the project and “the council is continuing to work with residents to determine a new way forward”.

The University of Bath and Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS trust said they had followed all relevant procurement rules. Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust and Rydon were contacted for comment.

 

Source: The Guardian

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Harmonising Solar Power and Farming

Scientists from Swansea University have developed a new tool to help identify optimal photovoltaic (PV) materials capable of maximising crop growth while generating solar power.

In a recent study published in Solar RRL, academics from the University’s Department of Physics have been exploring the effect of semi-transparent PV materials placed over crops – an exemplary application of agrivoltaics (solar panels combined with agricultural settings).

As part of this work, the team has developed an innovative freeware tool that predicts the light transmission, absorption, and power generation of different PV materials nearly anywhere on the globe using geographical, physical, and electrical measurements.

Austin Kay, lead author of the study and a PhD candidate at Swansea University, said:

“This technology, which allows us to compare many types of PV material, could help us determine how we balance food production and renewable energy generation.”

A key factor for optimising agrivoltaics is selecting the appropriate PV material, which requires an understanding of how the material absorbs different wavelengths (colours) of light, as well as its bandgap. A wider bandgap means the material can absorb light that is higher-energy and has a shorter wavelength (blue), while a narrower bandgap allows the absorption of lower-energy, longer wavelength (red) light.

By carefully selecting PV materials with specific bandgaps and absorption properties, researchers can fine-tune the ‘colour’ of light transmitted through semi-transparent PVs to hit the crops, which mainly absorb red and blue light to photosynthesise, reflecting green light.

Project lead, Associate Professor Ardalan Armin, said:

“By optimising the combination of solar panels and agriculture, agrivoltaics has the potential to significantly contribute to the decarbonisation of the agricultural sector. This approach not only generates clean energy but also enhances food security.”

Solar panels or PVs can be introduced into agricultural settings in many ways to provide locally generated power with minimal effect on a farm’s output. They can be attached to the roofs of greenhouses or polytunnels and can also be used to provide shelter for livestock. In return, the livestock can reduce maintenance costs by eating vegetation around the panels. However, careful consideration of the type of livestock is crucial as some species, like goats, can jump onto the PVs and cause irreversible damage.

Read the paper On the Performance Limits of Agrivoltaics—From Thermodynamic to Geo-Meteorological Considerations in full.

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Insuring Modern Construction Methods

Allianz has been lauded by brokers across Britain for its strengths across several key categories relating to its construction insurance coverage. This reflects the insurer’s commitment to comprehensive and tailored solutions that meet the evolving needs of the construction industry.

Steve Kelly, head of insurance, engineering, construction and power, said:

“Our recognition in this award reflects Allianz’s commitment to excellence in the construction sector. The high marks for claims processing speed and access to risk mitigation partners show that we are effectively supporting our customers through the complexities of modern construction projects.”

Experts in cutting-edge construction and sustainability

Allianz supports brokers with insurance products and risk management services tailored for modern methods of construction (MMC). By working closely with brokers and customers, the company helps mitigate risks and ensures the successful delivery of modern, sustainable construction projects.

Allianz understands the evolving landscape of the construction industry enhances the quality of construction projects:

  • Prefabricated modular construction: Manufacturing building modules in a factory setting and transporting them to the site for assembly, significantly reducing construction time and improving quality control.
  • Panelised systems: Creating wall, floor and roof panels in a factory before transporting them to the site for assembly, offering a balance between off-site manufacturing and on-site flexibility.
  • Hybrid systems: Combining MMC techniques, such as modular construction with panelised systems, to leverage the benefits of each method.
  • Digital construction: Technologies such as building information modelling, 3D printing and virtual reality are transforming the construction landscape along with enhancing precision, reducing waste and improving collaboration among stakeholders.

Comprehensive insurance solutions

Allianz offers tailored insurance products that meet the specific needs of brokers in the construction industry:

  • Speed and efficiency in claims processing: Prompt claims handling is vital to maintaining project timelines and managing costs.
  • Expert underwriting: The underwriting team is deeply knowledgeable about the challenges and opportunities in the construction sector, particularly the adoption of MMC. This allows them to craft bespoke policies that address the specific risks their customers face.
  • Risk management: Integrates risk management services with comprehensive coverage options, ensuring that customers receive the most out of their insurance.

Christian Simpson, technical underwriting manager, engineering, construction and power, said:

“We’re committed to providing insurance solutions that adapt to the evolving landscape of construction. Being recognised for our comprehensive coverage and underwriting experience highlights our dedication to understanding the unique risks that MMC present.”

Addressing common concerns

Despite its advantages, MMC also presents several common concerns and challenges, such as quality control, supply chain and logistics, design, integration with existing infrastructure, perception and acceptance, environmental impact and costs. Allianz addresses these concerns, and its underwriting team recognises the challenges and opportunities in the construction sector, particularly with the adoption of MMC.

Allianz is also committed to promoting sustainability in construction through:

  • Energy efficiency: Designing buildings with additions such as high-performance insulation, energy-efficient windows and advanced HVAC systems and incorporating renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and wind turbines, into designs.
  • Sustainable materials: Using materials with low environmental impact, such as recycled or reclaimed materials, and those with a low carbon footprint. Promoting the use of sustainable timber and other renewable resources.
  • Waste reduction: Implementing waste management strategies to reduce, reuse and recycle construction waste. Designing buildings for disassembly, allowing materials to be reused or recycled at the end of the building’s life.
  • Water conservation: Incorporating water-saving technologies, such as low-flow fixtures and rainwater harvesting systems. Designing landscapes to reduce water usage through xeriscaping and other water-efficient practices.
  • Green building certifications: Achieving certifications such as Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) to demonstrate a building’s sustainability credentials.
  • Health and well-being: Designing buildings to enhance the health and well-being of occupants with features such as natural lighting, good indoor air quality and access to green spaces.

 

The firm has been recognised with an IBUK Brokers on Construction award for the second successive year

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Construction Turning a Corner

A sustained rebound in total business activity was recorded across the sector during the month, although the pace of expansion has eased slightly since July.

In an update of the S&P Global UK Construction PMI, a reading of 53.6 was recorded which was above 50.0 for the sixth consecutive month. This was slightly below the 26-month high reading of 55.3 in July.

Momentum was recorded in the residential sector which accelerated to its fastest since September 2022 with a reading of 52.7. This was attributed to improved market conditions and lower borrowing costs. Commercial activity was August’s best performing segment with a reading of 53.7.

Overall, August’s data demonstrated a much stronger rate of expansion than seen on average in the first six months of 2024.

 

“The UK construction sector appears to have turned a corner after a difficult start to 2024, with renewed vigour in the house building segment the most notable development in August,” said Tim Moore, economics director at S&P Global Market Intelligence.

“Improving sales pipelines and a turnaround in demand conditions led to a relatively strong degree of business optimism across the construction sector. However, some firms cited a slowdown in civil engineering activity and concerns about the outlook for infrastructure work as constraints on growth expectations.”

Elsewhere, August’s data showed staffing levels were broadly unchanged and that sub-contractor usage had decreased for the first time since January.

Purchasing price inflation meanwhile remained relatively muted over August with cost pressures easing since July.

Source: Development Finance

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Grenfell: Decades of Failure

THE devastating Grenfell Tower fire was the result of “decades of failure” by central government and the construction industry to act on the dangers of flammable materials on high-rise buildings, a long-awaited report has found.

The west London tower block was covered in combustible products because of the “systematic dishonesty” of firms who made and sold the cladding and insulation, inquiry chairman Sir Martin Moore-Bick said.

He called out “deliberate and sustained” manipulation of fire-safety testing, misrepresentation of test data and misleading of the market.

The fire, which took place in 2017, killed 72 people. The 1700-page final report found that the victims of the fire were dead or unconscious before the flames reached them.

The report laid out how those in positions of responsibility had not heeded or acted on warnings from earlier fires.

Moore-Bick said: “We conclude that the fire at Grenfell Tower was the culmination of decades of failure by central government and other bodies in positions of responsibility in the construction industry to look carefully into the danger of incorporating combustible materials into the external walls of high-rise residential buildings and to act on the information available to them.”

The report added that by 2016, a year before the Grenfell fire, the government was “well aware” of the risks of using combustible cladding panels and insulation, particularly in high-rise buildings, “but failed to act on what it knew”.

Grenfell United, which represents some of the bereaved and survivors of the fire, said the report “speaks to a lack of competence, understanding and a fundamental failure to perform the most basic of duties of care” and demanded that some of the construction firms involved should be banned from government contracts.

But it added that while the final publication is a “significant chapter” in the years since the fire, “justice has not been delivered,” saying police and prosecutors must “ensure that those who are truly responsible are held to account and brought to justice”.

The Metropolitan Police said it “operates under a different legal framework and so we cannot simply use the report’s findings as evidence to bring charges”.

Met deputy assistant commissioner Stuart Cundy said the force had “one chance to get our investigation right”.

He warned that it would take up to 18 months to go through the report “line by line”.

‘What happened was, as each of them would have it, someone else’s fault’

 

Throughout the inquiry, construction companies have pointed the blame at each other.

Richard Miller, the inquiry’s lawyer, said in his opening address at the second stage of the inquiry: “What happened was, as each of them would have it, someone else’s fault.”

Cladding firm Arconic and insulation firms Kingspan and Celotex faced particularly heavy criticism in the report.

Arconic was found to have “deliberately concealed from the market the true extent of the danger” of using its cladding product, particularly on high-rise buildings.

Kingspan had, from 2005 and even after the inquiry began in the wake of the fire, “knowingly created a false market in insulation” for use on buildings over 18 metres, the report said.

Celotex then, in an attempt to break into this market created by Kingspan, “embarked on a dishonest scheme to mislead its customers and the wider market”, Moore-Bick added.

The report set out 58 recommendations, concluding that the construction industry had become “too complex and fragmented”.

‘Scotland is not complacent’

Scottish Government Housing Minister Paul McLennan (below) said: “The tragic Grenfell Tower fire emphasised how important building and fire safety is. Keeping residents and homeowners safe is our priority and we are taking action to protect lives by ensuring the assessment and remediation of buildings with potentially unsafe cladding.

“We will carefully consider all of the recommendations in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s report. Yesterday I met with UK Government ministers to discuss how we can work collaboratively to take the appropriate actions to deliver the Inquiry’s recommendations and ensure residents and homeowners in Scotland are kept safe.”

McLennan said that whilst Scotland already has “stringent” safety regulations in place, “we are not complacent”.

“Where immediate action is needed to safeguard people we will ensure appropriate actions are taken to manage risks, pending longer-term remediation works,” he said.

“Subject to the devolution of the necessary powers, we will establish a Building Safety Levy in Scotland, equivalent to a Levy that will be introduced by the UK Government in England. The Levy will provide vital revenues to support the funding of our Cladding Remediation Programme.”

Scottish Greens justice spokesperson Maggie Chapman said:

“This is a sobering report which shows what we all knew, the UK Government has failed in its basic duty of care and has put the interests of corporations ahead of the lives of people tragically killed in this disaster.

“Justice for those who lost their lives has not been delivered. The calculated dishonesty and greed shown by corporations and governments has cost 54 adults and 18 children their lives.

“This tragedy has highlighted exactly why here in Scotland and across the UK we need regulations that genuinely keep people safe in high-rise buildings.”

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the Government will “carefully consider” the findings of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry to “ensure that such a tragedy cannot occur again”.

Starmer said:

“My thoughts today are wholly with those bereaved by, and survivors of, the Grenfell Tower tragedy and the residents in the immediate community. This day is for them.

“I hope that Sir Martin’s report can provide the truth they have sought for so long, and that it is a step towards the accountability and justice they deserve.”

In a further statement in the House of Commons on Wednesday, Starmer said the Government would write to all companies found by the inquiry to be part of the “horrific failings” at Grenfell Tower “as the first step to stopping them being awarded government contracts”.

Those affected by the Grenfell Tower disaster were “let down very badly before, during and in the aftermath of the tragedy”, Starmer said as he offered them an apology on behalf of the British state.

 

Source: The National

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The Human Cost of Systemic Construction Failures

Housing expert blasts “systemic failures of construction sector” following Grenfell Tower report

 

A leading professor from the Centre for Future Homes has called for a united response from the UK housing industry to address failures outlined in the final report into the Grenfell fire.

 

As a visiting professor at Birmingham City University (BCU), Mike Leonard helped to set up a fire engineering degree apprenticeship in 2022 in the wake of initial Grenfell report recommendations- the first degree of its kind in the UK.

 

Seven years after the tragic Grenfell fire he is still calling for the housing industry to do more:

“This report has outlined the systemic failures of a construction sector driven by a race to the bottom, incompetence, very poor behaviour and inadequate regulation and control”.

 

“As we reflect on the loss life, we must fully embrace the new legislation and effect a major cultural change, putting life safety and quality first. Our buildings should be non- combustible and resilient to the effects of climate change including overheating, wind, flood and wildfires.

 

“Birmingham City University and The Awarding Body for the Built Environment (ABBE) will continue to work with industry to develop routes to ensure people are competent in their roles and can demonstrate the right behaviours.

 

“Today our thoughts are with those who lost their lives and with their families. We must never forget the human cost of this wholly avoidable event.”

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Zero Waste Week

Attributed to Tara Crossan, Associate Director at Powerday

Powerday is committed to addressing the UK’s waste management challenges with innovative and sustainable solutions designed specifically for the construction industry.

Recycling is at the heart of what we do, and as an industry leader, we are dedicated to maximising recycling rates and diverting waste from landfills through our high-end materials recycling facilities across London. This Zero Waste Week, which takes place from 2 – 6 September, marks a great opportunity for businesses like us to reaffirm our commitment to minimising waste and contributing to a more sustainable future for the UK.

According to Qflow’s 2023 Waste Report, the construction industry generates 62% of the UK’s waste and 32% of all waste is sent to landfill[1]. There is no hiding that there are challenges, however there are certain steps businesses can take to support the circular economy and closely manage how construction waste is disposed of or repurposed.

At Powerday, we are proud to be at the forefront of waste management and recycling in the UK, dedicated to sustainability and making a positive impact in the communities we serve. Our work with the residents of Hillingdon, for example, has raised an incredible £65,000 for Harlington Hospice, providing invaluable care to those living with life-limiting illnesses and their families. This achievement has been made possible through the generous donations of thousands of items to the Waste Weekend Charity Shop in West Drayton, which we operate on behalf of the council. Since opening in January 2020, the shop has become a cherished community hub where residents can donate household items for resale, diverting them from landfill and supporting a vital local cause.

In addition to our community initiatives, we are actively working to reduce carbon emissions and support the circular economy through our closed-loop recycling programmes. Since the beginning of 2024, our partnership with Protec has led to the remanufacturing of 51,388 ProplexRE sheets, saving 130 tonnes of CO2 and diverting 196m³ of waste from landfill. Similarly, our glass recycling initiatives with Saint-Gobain and McLaren have resulted in the remanufacture of 40.3 tonnes of glass, saving 48.4 tonnes of raw materials and preventing 28.2 tonnes of CO2 emissions. These closed-loop initiatives preserve natural resources by significantly reducing the need for virgin materials, exemplifying our commitment to sustainable practices.

Powerday is also playing a crucial role in reducing waste and carbon emissions by processing construction and demolition waste efficiently and investing in advanced technologies to convert residual waste into renewable energy. Our recent deployment of two Volvo FE Electric Skip Loaders, powered by renewable energy from our Willesden plant, demonstrates our dedication to carbon reduction and net-zero goals. This project has already saved approximately 35 tonnes of CO2 compared to a typical diesel skip lorry, with estimated savings of 60 tonnes by the end of the year, contributing to cleaner air in London.

Environmentally, our latest manifesto lays out our ambitious targets to reduce Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 4% by the end of this year, aligning with our net-zero commitment for 2040. Additionally, we pledge to establish a Scope 3 target by the same deadline while continuing to understand and mitigate climate-related risks and opportunities.

As London’s leading family-run waste management and recycling business, we remain committed to driving sustainability forward in the UK. Powerday is proud to be part of this movement, not just during Zero Waste Week, but year-round, continuously looking at ways to minimise waste, reduce carbon emissions, and support the communities we serve in building a more sustainable future for all.

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TURNING UNFIT PLANNING INTO AN INVESTMENT MAGNET

The CBI is calling on the Government to mark the consultation to the National Planning Policy Framework as the ‘start of their ambition’ to reform the planning system.

Publishing it’s new Planning for Growth report, the CBI has identified a series of recommendations to accelerate building projects, boost connections and drive economic growth by going beyond the areas for consultation put forward in the NPPF.

Businesses in sectors as diverse as energy, construction, retail and manufacturing have all pointed to burdensome planning processes as a reason for stopping, pausing, or delaying critical investments in the UK.

The overall effect is of a system that prioritises bureaucracy over delivery, undermines investor and contractor confidence, and acts as a handbrake on economic growth. Concerns have also been raised about significant inconsistencies and variations in planning practices and procedures based on local politics.

Ahead of the Autumn Budget, the CBI is calling on the government to adopt a UK-wide Planning for Growth Strategy, implemented in partnership with devolved governments, that will provide cohesion and consistency across the planning system, based on the following principles:

  • Allow Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) to bring in locally determined and ringfenced planning fees. This will make the system more flexible, more aligned to local need, and more able to consider factors such as project complexity, scale, and local economic conditions. It will also ensure revenue generated from planning applications directly supports the planning process.
  • Allow applicants to pay for independent consultants employed by LPAs for major applications. This will empower councils to access specialist expertise, expedite decision-making, and sustain a strong project pipeline while ensuring transparency and recovering costs.
  • Pilot the use of Local Planning Hubs that can advise LPAs on major infrastructure applications (as well as major housing developments). This would allow LPAs to import the knowledge and expertise required to process major applications crucial to delivering national housing and net-zero targets.
  • Promote greater public-private partnership for brownfield site development by using public investment to incentivise the private sector to deliver cleanup and regenerate. This reduces the overall burden on the public purse and promotes faster redevelopment that can benefit communities and stimulate growth.

Download the report for our full set of recommendations.

John Foster, CBI Chief Policy and Campaigns Officer, said:

“Putting planning reform at the top of the in-tray represents a real statement of intent from the new government and their prioritisation of growth as the defining mission of the parliament.

“Unlocking private investment is the catalyst for the productivity gains needed to deliver long-term sustainable growth. But right now, delays in the planning system are putting a handbrake on investment and growth. It’s too slow, too cumbersome, and too bureaucratic for the country’s needs. At its worst, it creates a system where development is seen as an outcome to be avoided rather than an objective to strive for.

“The approval of data centres, the reclassification of onshore wind, and the consultation on the National Planning Policy Framework have all provided some early momentum behind the agenda for change. But this should mark the start of the government’s ambition, rather than the finish.

“With the Autumn Budget fast approaching, there is an opportunity to double down on the ambition to transform the planning system from an economic millstone to an economic multiplier. By focusing on consistency, simplicity and resourcing, the CBI’s Planning for Growth report sets out how the Government can create a system that is smoother, swifter and better calibrated to attract the private capital needed to spread prosperity across every corner of the country.” 

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