There are 1,210 completed homes which cannot be occupied because of delays in the work of the government’s building safety regulator, Sky News can reveal.
The safety inspection regime created in the wake of the Grenfell tragedy, which claimed 72 lives, is “not fit for purpose”, according to those who depend on its work.
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Sky News has visited an empty block of 99 flats in west London where future residents – who have purchased the properties – have been unable to move in for over a year because of the lack of regulator approval.
New data obtained exclusively by Sky News through a Freedom of Information request shows the extent of the issue.
As of 1 August, there is “no decision” on eight applications covering 1,210 completed new residential units. For sites yet to be built, there are 156 applications with no decision, covering 34,965 new residential units.
Sir Keir Starmer says economic growth is his top priority and the 1.5 million new homes target this parliament is a key part of this agenda. But two years after its creation, the government agency has come under fire for failing to fulfil vital functions in a timely manner.
After complaints, the regulator has already faced one overhaul, and will shortly move from part of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to become an arm’s length body which is part of Angela Rayner’s Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. But developers say they are still struggling to get answers from the body.
Sir Keir Starmer has made new homes a major priority. Pic: Jack Taylor/PA
Sky News has conducted an analysis of public data and found the backlog growing.
New buildings ought to be signed off within a 12-week period, but Sky News found the percentage of applications…
