"The Hackitt review has shown that in too many cases people
who should be accountable for fire safety have failed in their
duties. In future, the government will ensure that those
responsible for a building must demonstrate they have taken
decisive action to reduce building safety risks and will be held to
account".
Such strong words came from the government following the
publication of Dame Judith Hackitt's final report into building
regulations and fire safety. The report promises a more robust
regulatory regime, overseen by a new competent authority, to hold
those responsible to account. With a range of criminal enforcement
powers and sanctions to be made available, who are the dutyholders
and what are the implications for non-compliance?
