HC Deb 23 April 2002 vol 384 cc179-80W
Mrs. Curtis-Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) if he will list those organisations consulted regarding S.I. 2001, No. 3335 introducing self-certification under the Building Regulations; [49861]

(2) how his Department will ensure that reputable builders are not disadvantaged by the cost and time involved with self-assessment, as laid out in S.I. 2001, No. 3335; [49863]

(3) what effect the self-certification of building firms, allowed under the Building Regulations S.I. 2001, No. 3335, will have on building firms. [49862]

Dr. Whitehead

S.I. 2001, No. 3335, did not introduce self-certification. Self-certification was introduced into the Building Regulations through S.I. 2002, No. 440. This recognises schemes for the self-certification of the installation of combustion appliances, replacement glazing and plumbing work.

Moving towards self-certification and non-notification by identified competent firms will significantly enhance compliance with the procedural and technical requirements of the regulations; it will reduce costs for firms joining recognised schemes; promote training and competence within the industry; help tackle the problem of 'cowboy builders' by identifying reputable firms to consumers; and will start to assist local authorities with enforcement, as they can devote more resource to tackling those, who either wilfully or in ignorance, fail to comply with the Building Regulations.

The regulatory impact assessment we undertook prior to laying the regulations, identified that the financial benefit to firms of introducing self-certification would be £104,685,000, taking into account the cost of joining the recognised schemes. These savings arise from firms not having to pay building control fees. Other savings, such as those that would arise from relief from the internal administrative expense and delay in complying with the procedural requirements of the Building Regulations, were not calculated. I understand that the schemes involved have experienced very considerable interest from potential members, and the savings are likely to be higher than the earlier conservative estimate.

Prior to laying these regulations we undertook extensive consultation. Proposals for self-certification were first consulted on in 1997, with the consultation document 'Proposals for reducing the administrative burden with the prospect at the same time of enhancing health and safety'. The results of the consultation were favourable. We consulted again in 1999 with the document 'Taking Forward Self-Certification Under the Building Regulations'. The consultation went to 250 organisations and a list of these has been placed in the Libraries of the House.

I believe that self-certification is a very significant step forward for promoting competence in the construction industry, and providing rewards for those who voluntarily subscribe to schemes which are designed to protect society from the adverse effects of poor building work.

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