Government proposes self-certification of building work

Construction minister Beverley Hughes has published a consultation paper setting out proposals to enable clients or contractors to certify that their projects comply with Building Regulations.

Contractor organisations have also been invited to put forward members who are competent to certify their own work, eliminating the time and cost involved in securing third-party building control review.

"Third party certification is a valuable tool in protecting the health and safety of those in and around buildings," the minister said. "However, building control must keep up with the dynamic changes arising from our construction industry policies."

A number of contractor organisations who can demonstrate their competence to the DETR are likely to be selected for pilot schemes, testing the effectiveness of self-certification.

Comments on the proposal to extend certification more widely to clients and contractors must be received by January.

Elliott Chase