The full scope of the independent public inquiry into the Grenfell Tower fire, being led by retired judge Martin Moore-Bick, has been published and approved by Prime Minister Theresa May.
The inquiry will examine the design and construction of Grenfell Tower, including its refurbishment, and look at the scope and adequacy of Building Regulations including its guidance on fire safety.
Sir Martin acknowledged the desire among many for the inquiry to consider a broader examination of social housing policy, but rejected this.
He said there was “an obvious need for my inquiry to complete its work as quickly as possible in order to identify defects in the design, construction (including refurbishment) and management of the building that may exist elsewhere and put at risk others who live and work in similar high-rise structures”. To add in the broader terms of reference would “add significantly” to the length of time needed to carry out its work, he added.
However, RIBA President Jane Duncan was critical of the announcement. She said: “The RIBA is supportive of the aims of Sir Martin Moore-Bick’s inquiry. It is right that the terms of reference includes an examination of the adequacy of building and fire regulations, as well as other areas relating to the construction of Grenfell Tower and other high rise residential buildings.
“It is disappointing however that the terms of the Inquiry do not explicitly mention the overall regulatory and procurement context for the construction of buildings in the UK.
"We consider this examination crucial to understanding the often complicated division of design responsibilities and the limited level of independent oversight of construction. These pervade many current building procurement approaches prevalent in the public and housing association sectors.
"Such regulatory and procurement concerns should not be dismissed as they would have helped set the full context for the decisions that were made at Grenfell Tower and at other residential buildings. This is the missing piece of the puzzle and we will continue to make this case over the course of the inquiry, and to UK Government and others.”
The consultation on the terms of reference received 554 responses, with approximately 50 per cent of respondents saying that the terms should cover questions around Building Regulations and related legislation.
In his summary of the responses, Sir Martin said: “A number of pieces of legislation were identified, including Building Regulations both nationally and locally, the Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015, the Fire Safety Order 2005 and associated guidance, the Housing Act 2004, and product standards generally.”
