The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has issued a summary outlining its actions, along with UK Government requirements, in response to the Grenfell Tower fire and the ongoing focus on building safety and compliance.
RICS continues to provide advice and support to key stakeholders, including the recently appointed Housing Minister, Devolved Mayors, local authorities and Government departments such as the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG). This ongoing involvement ensures that professional expertise is informing the Government’s response to building safety concerns.
To respond effectively to the evolving situation, RICS is convening a working group of industry professionals and interested parties. This group will provide expert advice, guidance and immediate assistance where required, helping to address risks associated with building materials and construction methods.
The DCLG has requested that all owners, landlords and managers of residential buildings identify whether Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) cladding has been used within their property portfolios, as part of wider safety checks following the Grenfell Tower fire.
At the same time, the Building Research Establishment (BRE) is carrying out tests on various cladding systems to determine which ACM systems may be at risk of failure. The results of these tests will be published, enabling owners, landlords and managing agents to seek further professional advice and take appropriate action where necessary.
