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Written question asked by Kevin Hollinrake (Conservative) on Friday, 7 March 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 11 March 2025. It was answered by Alex Norris (Labour) on Monday, 17 March 2025 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Buildings: Insulation

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, for what reason BRE group will continue to certify (a) cladding, (b) insulation and (c) other products.

Answer

The BRE is a conformity assessment body accredited by the UK Accreditation Service (UKAS). Following the criticisms of BRE in the Grenfell Inquiry, UKAS has conducted additional assessments of the BRE, and we are working closely with UKAS to understand how BRE intends to address the identified failings.

Government has published a construction product reform green paper which includes proposals on the capacity, competence and oversight of conformity assessment bodies. We are addressing these criticisms through the government response to recommendations as set out in the green paper published on 26 February 2025, as part of measures for system wide reform. Our proposals include new requirements and obligations on conformity assessment bodies, including that they must obtain a licence from the national regulator, and be subject to a statutory code. This will improve confidence in the rigour and competency of conformity assessment bodies. Following this consultation, we will set out the government’s initial response and our next steps for long term reform.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
36418
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Buildings Insulation Building Research Establishment
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk