Written question asked by James Cleverly (Conservative) on Tuesday, 16 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 18 June 2026. It was answered by Samantha Dixon (Labour) on Monday, 22 June 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Housing: Lifts

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the review of Approved Document B on evacuation lifts on the level of housebuilding in (a) London and (b) England.

Answer: Analysis of proposals set out in the Approved Document B consultation indicate a low impact on housebuilding. Government’s analysis of 50 buildings at planning stage across England, both in and outside of London, shows the majority of new tall housing blocks being brought forward already include an evacuation lift. In others, only minor changes would be needed to meet the proposal, such as changes to the layout of the ground floor and an upgrading of passenger lifts to evacuation standard. The consultation, which can be found here, is open until 1 July 2026 and we welcome evidence and views from industry and stakeholders on these proposals.

Secondary information