RICS welcomes the Welsh Government’s introduction of the Building Safety (Wales) Bill, a landmark step in delivering a safer built environment for residents across Wales.

The Bill, which follows similar legislation introduced several years earlier by the UK Parliament, introduces a new building safety regime for multi-occupied residential buildings, placing clear legal duties on accountable persons to assess and manage fire and structural risks throughout a building’s lifecycle.

We also welcome the publication of the Welsh Government’s detailed response to the Phase 2 report of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, which outlines a comprehensive programme of reform and demonstrates a strong commitment to learning from the tragedy and ensuring it is never repeated.

RICS Support for Building Safety in Wales

RICS has been actively supporting the Welsh Government on building safety matters, including:

  • Updating valuation guidance to reflect evolving safety standards and market conditions;
  • Supporting the Leaseholder Support Scheme, helping affected homeowners navigate complex safety and financial challenges.

As highlighted in our Safer Buildings in Wales update, we are pleased to see that many of the recommendations we made—such as the need for a clear regulatory framework, improved data sharing, and a focus on professional competence—are reflected in the Bill. We continue to advocate for a whole-building approach to safety, ensuring that risks are managed holistically and transparently.

Looking Ahead

Close collaboration between the Welsh and UK Governments will be essential to ensure consistency and clarity across borders. RICS stresses the importance of enabling a skilled, mobile professional workforce that can operate effectively across the UK, supporting the delivery of safe, high-quality homes.

As the Bill progresses through the Senedd, RICS remains committed to working with policymakers, industry partners, consumer groups and our members to ensure that the new regime is practical, enforceable, and delivers meaningful change for residents.