Recommendation 21

The post-Grenfell prohibition on the use of combustible materials in external walls has had a disproportionate impact on the use, innovation and testing of structural timber. Material safety perceptions have also affected the availability and cost of insurance, making it near impossible for developers to use timber in high rise or medium-rise buildings. There has been a substantial delay in the Government’s response to its consultation on amendments to the combustible materials ban, 68 Building to net zero: costing carbon in construction which closed in May 2020. This delay is unacceptable: it has left the construction industry without the guidance and confidence it needs to invest in timber structures.