Source · Select Committees · Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee
Recommendation 20
20
Given that the introduction of the PAS 9980 will not result in the elimination of...
Recommendation
Given that the introduction of the PAS 9980 will not result in the elimination of EWS1 forms, we remain concerned that uncertainty will remain about the safety of buildings and will continue to stymie those trying to sell their homes. We welcome the work being done with lenders to try to share information and reduce the demand for EWS1 forms. We also welcome the funding that has been provided to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors to train assessors. However, we are concerned that these assessors are still in training and will not be able to undertake surveys for some time. This raises questions about how quickly the backlog of buildings requiring assessments can be cleared. Furthermore it is uncertain whether their work in respect of PAS 9980 assessments will be covered by the professional indemnity insurance scheme that has been established. In addition to the Secretary of State’s commitment to update us on the coverage of the professional indemnity insurance scheme, the Government must ensure that there is professional indemnity insurance cover for those conducting PAS 9980 assessments—whether as an extension of the scheme for external wall assessors or as a separate scheme. We ask the Government to monitor and report back to this Committee with its assessment of the impact of the introduction of PAS 9980 on the numbers of buildings that need to be inspected and remediated. We also ask the Government to report back to the Committee with its estimate of the number of currently qualified fire risk assessors and how this will increase in the coming months. (Paragraph 60) Building Safety: Remediation and Funding 35
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government remains committed to setting up a state-backed professional indemnity insurance scheme for assessors undertaking EWS1 forms. We recognise that the demand for qualified professionals to undertake fire risk appraisals to PAS 9980 standards may increase and is taking steps to better understand the market. The Home Office has recently completed a survey of the fire risk assessor sector to better understand the extent of the sector’s capacity and competence, including in relation to external wall appraisals. This does not cover the entire fire safety sector, or all those who can undertake external wall appraisals to PAS 9980 standards but should indicate whether further actions are necessary. The department has carried out an early assessment of the number of buildings between 11-18 metres that would require remediation if assessed under more proportionate guidance. The Government has provided funding to RICS to train up to 2,000 assessors to undertake EWS1 assessments to PAS 9980 standards. To date, over 1,000 candidates have enrolled on the programme.