Watchdog with power to prosecute property developers for safety failures to be set up
A new watchdog will be set up with the power to prosecute property developers who fail to meet safety standards.
The decision to create a new regulator is designed to prevent a repeat of the Grenfell Tower disaster, which killed 72 people in 2017.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government told the BBC the bill would ensure there were clearly identified people responsible for the safety of the design, build and occupation of high rise buildings.
The new bill will reportedly give residents more routes to raised concerns about safety.
If developers fail to meet safety standards, under the new rules they could be prosecuted and manufacturers could have their construction products taken off the market
Since Grenfell Tower fire, which spread quickly because of cladding on the building, thousands of homeowners have found themselves saddled with eye-watering bills upon realising their buildings are covered in the combustible material.
The bill will reportedly strengthen the rights of residents who wish to pursue compensation from buildings for sub-standard or unsafe work.
Residents will have 15 years to pursue a claim, rather than six as is currently the case.
But campaigners have said a longer claim timeframe will not solve the cladding problem for many people, especially if the developer responsible has gone out of business or if the building is more than 15 years old.
The new watchdog will not protect leaseholders from charges for remedial safety work.