Principal Accountable Persons for high-rise buildings have been able to complete a Safety Case Report that “summarises the safety case for a high-rise residential building…identifying the building’s safety risks and explaining how the risks are being managed” since October 2023.
It’s likely that most PAPs have now completed their safety case reports and have either been invited to apply for their Building Assessment Certificate or are waiting for their notification.
Here we’ll be explaining what will go into your application, how to cover your fees and outlining the potential outcomes of your application.
A Quick Bit of Background
The Building Safety Act is a result of the Government’s investigations into building safety. The aim of the Act is to reduce the likelihood and severity of incidents, with a focus on fire safety and structural failure.
The requirement for the appointment of a Principal Accountable Person and their responsibility to produce a Building Safety Case is part of the Act.
Once the Building Safety Case has been submitted and approved, PAPs are then invited to apply for a Building Assessment Certificate to authenticate their compliance.
Documentation to be Submitted
Applications for a Building Assessment Certificate involve providing a collection of documents to the Building Safety Regulator (the Health and Safety Executive).
The list of requirements includes:
- Your Resident Engagement Strategy
- Information regarding your Mandatory Occurrence Reporting System
- Your Building Safety Case Report
- Confirmation that you are sharing the necessary information with relevant third parties
- The serial numbers of any current compliance notices issued by Building Safety Regulator
Once you’ve submitted your application, the Building Safety Regulator may come back to you to request additional documents or records. They may also request to meet with you in person or via video call to discuss the application or to see a demonstration of the systems you have in place.
This may seem a little alarming, but the BSR’s willingness to discuss your application is a positive sign. They are willing to work with Accountable Persons to support applications, before deciding on an outcome.
Payment
The application carries a fee of £288.00 including VAT. You will also need to cover the Building Safety Regulator’s fees which are usually set at £144.00 per hour.
You can either provide card details for the payment to be taken or supply an invoice. If you choose to send an invoice, make sure it has a purchase order number.
Potential Outcomes
Hopefully you’ll simply receive confirmation that the Building Safety Regulator is satisfied with your application. They will provide a physical certificate which should be displayed in a prominent position in a common area of the building.
Some applications may result in a “action is needed to correct issues with your application” notification. This means that the regulator has identified some issues that can be addressed simply and quickly. They will tell you what you need to do and by when- if you meet the deadline provided, you will be granted a certificate. If not, the application will be refused.
If the regulator is not satisfied by your application, you will receive a compliance notice letting you know why the application has been refused. This must be displayed prominently within the building.
They will provide a deadline for issues to be addressed. You will need to provide evidence that you have amended the areas identified before being invited to apply again. If you miss the deadline, you may well face enforcement action.
Requesting a Decision Review
If you don’t receive a certificate on your first attempt and you disagree with the regulator’s findings, you can follow the instructions provided to request a review of the decision. If you are still in disagreement after a review, you can appeal via a First-tier Tribunal.
How Can 4site Help?
The 4site team are always looking for new ways to support the managers of high rise blocks. We’re more than happy to support you through the Building Safety Case and Assessment Certificate requirements.
In fact, our expert team has recently launched a Building Safety Case Support Service, dedicated to assisting with the compilation, maintenance and sharing of your safety case reports.
Feel free to get in touch with us if this is of interest, or if you’d just like to discuss the new requirements in any more detail.
