Written Answers Nos. 630-647
630. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the breakdown of the 9,500 new build social homes targeted for delivery in 2021 by SHIP new builds, SHIP turnkeys, AHB new builds, AHB turnkeys, CAS new builds, Part Vs and PPPs. [33328/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn Budget 2021, the total funding being made available for the delivery of housing programmes is €3.3bn. This includes funding to deliver 12,750 social homes through build, acquisition and leasing. A major focus of this investment is the delivery of new build, with an overall target of 9,500 new homes. The build target includes the delivery of 5,250 new homes by local authorities, 2,950 by Approved Housing Bodies and 1,300 new homes through Part V.
In relation to the further breakdown of the new build targets, the Department does not disaggregate the targets between new build on local authority land and turnkey developments. It is a matter for the local authorities and the Approved Housing Bodies to advance projects based on the local circumstances and to submit funding proposals to my Department on a case-by-case basis.
However, I have been very clear with local authorities that I want to see them maximise all opportunities to build new homes on their land. My Department is working with the Housing Delivery Coordination Office to develop updated local authority targets for 2021 reflecting this priority and the significant funding secured.
631. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the average cost of Part V units in each local authority for 2018 and 2019, in tabular form. [33329/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the introduction of changes to Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000, effected through the Urban Regeneration and Housing Act 2015 (the relevant sections of which were commenced with effect from 1 September 2015), the range of options available through which Part V obligations might be satisfied was reduced. In particular, the payment of cash in lieu of homes or the transfer of sites or parts of sites was removed, and instead the remaining options are focused on the delivery of completed homes.
The current options for Part V delivery are:
- the transfer of ownership of land, subject to the planning permission application, to a local authority for the provision of social housing (the default option);
- the building and transfer of ownership to the local authority, or persons nominated, of completed social housing homes on the site subject to the planning permission;
- the transfer of ownership to the local authority, or persons nominated, of completed social housing homes on other land;
- the long term leasing of social housing homes; and
- a combination of the options above.
The table attached, which includes data from 2016 onwards, sets out an indicative average cost of Part V delivered units for each local authority based on the information submitted to the Department.
The Programme for Government commits to increasing the social housing stock by over 50,000 over the next five years, with an emphasis on new builds, and to ensuring that local authorities are central to delivering housing. Since taking up office, this commitment has been my key priority and focus. This is evidenced in the recently announced Budget 2021 which provides record funding for housing, an overall investment of €3.3 billion, that will support the delivery of 12,750 new homes, 9,500 of which will be delivered through build programmes.
632. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the average cost of SHIP construction units in each local authority for 2018 and 2019, in tabular form. [33330/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe average costs for the delivery of social homes through the local authority capital construction programme for 2018 and 2019 are set out in the table below. These averages reflect the full delivery or 'all-in' costs, therefore in addition to construction costs, they also include costs such as land, design team fees, utilities, legal and professional fees, etc. As averages, it's important to note that a range of dwelling types at various costs are covered. In delivering new social homes under this programme local authorities are cognisant of the need to balance the delivery of a range of new homes to meet the diverse needs of households on their social housing list with value for money considerations.
All project proposals by local authorities are considered by my Department in this context and taking account of the unit cost ceilings for each local authority.
My Department is also working with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on a Spending Review of the Social Housing Build programme for the period 2016-2019, a report on which is expected to be published later this year.
|
- |
2018SHIP Construction |
2019SHIP Construction |
|
Carlow |
€138,300 |
€151,200 |
|
Cavan |
€206,600 |
€169,500 |
|
Clare |
€0 |
€262,700 |
|
Cork City |
€261,100 |
€266,300 |
|
Cork County |
€232,900 |
€228,900 |
|
DLR |
€239,900 |
€201,700 |
|
Donegal |
€179,600 |
€189,300 |
|
Dublin City |
€229,600 |
€181,500 |
|
Fingal |
€179,700 |
€209,300 |
|
Galway City |
€331,300 |
€0 |
|
Galway County |
€160,600 |
€174,300 |
|
Kerry |
€187,500 |
€206,100 |
|
Kildare |
€259,000 |
€274,700 |
|
Kilkenny |
€152,900 |
€112,900 |
|
Laois |
€146,400 |
€249,400 |
|
Leitrim |
€162,500 |
€0 |
|
Limerick |
€212,500 |
€209,100 |
|
Longford |
€207,000 |
€160,500 |
|
Louth |
€155,300 |
€176,700 |
|
Mayo |
€238,400 |
€229,100 |
|
Meath |
€249,800 |
€222,400 |
|
Monaghan |
€146,400 |
€182,400 |
|
Offaly |
€0 |
€216,000 |
|
Roscommon |
€0 |
€0 |
|
Sligo |
€172,300 |
€253,900 |
|
South Dublin |
€224,600 |
€244,400 |
|
Tipperary |
€129,100 |
€0 |
|
Waterford |
€188,900 |
€170,100 |
|
Westmeath |
€230,600 |
€0 |
|
Wexford |
€218,700 |
€205,900 |
|
Wicklow |
€214,900 |
€211,800 |
The Programme for Government commits to increasing the social housing stock by over 50,000 over the next five years, with an emphasis on new builds, and to ensuring that local authorities are central to delivering housing. Since taking up office, this commitment has been my key priority and focus. This is evidenced in the recently announced Budget 2021 which provides record funding for housing, an overall investment of €3.3 billion, that will support the delivery of 12,750 new homes, 9,500 of which will be delivered through build programmes.
633. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the average cost of SHIP turnkey units in each local authority for 2018 and 2019, in tabular form. [33331/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe average costs for the delivery of social homes through the local authority turnkey programme for 2018 and 2019 are set out in the table below. As averages, it's important to note that a range of dwelling types at various price ranges are covered. In delivering new social homes under this programme local authorities are cognisant of the need to balance the delivery of a range of new homes to meet the diverse needs of households on their social housing list with value for money considerations.
All project proposals by local authorities are considered by my Department in this context and taking account of the unit cost ceilings for each local authority. The use of turnkeys may also reflect the fact that local authorities have no suitable sites in certain locations where there is a social housing need.
My Department is also working with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on a Spending Review of the Social Housing Build programme for the period 2016-2019, a report on which is expected to be published later this year.
|
- |
2018Turnkey |
2019Turnkey |
|
Carlow |
€0 |
€208,600 |
|
Cavan |
€0 |
€183,800 |
|
Clare |
€219,000 |
€0 |
|
Cork City |
€272,100 |
€306,800 |
|
Cork County |
€224,300 |
€240,900 |
|
DLR |
€396,900 |
€0 |
|
Donegal |
€155,800 |
€186,600 |
|
Dublin City |
€362,800 |
€382,200 |
|
Fingal |
€311,800 |
€412,000 |
|
Galway City |
€0 |
€352,700 |
|
Galway County |
€188,100 |
€233,200 |
|
Kerry |
€199,800 |
€213,900 |
|
Kildare |
€274,300 |
€285,400 |
|
Kilkenny |
€203,800 |
€0 |
|
Laois |
€0 |
€0 |
|
Leitrim |
€0 |
€170,000 |
|
Limerick |
€0 |
€127,500 |
|
Longford |
€202,500 |
€193,400 |
|
Louth |
€0 |
€273,000 |
|
Mayo |
€197,800 |
€194,600 |
|
Meath |
€213,100 |
€261,500 |
|
Monaghan |
€151,900 |
€177,600 |
|
Offaly |
€195,700 |
€192,100 |
|
Roscommon |
€134,100 |
€155,200 |
|
Sligo |
€0 |
€156,400 |
|
South Dublin |
€415,900 |
€349,400 |
|
Tipperary |
€179,300 |
€181,500 |
|
Waterford |
€191,600 |
€178,000 |
|
Westmeath |
€0 |
€203,300 |
|
Wexford |
€233,500 |
€224,100 |
|
Wicklow |
€249,400 |
€226,600 |
The Programme for Government commits to increasing the social housing stock by over 50,000 over the next five years, with an emphasis on new builds, and to ensuring that local authorities are central to delivering housing. Since taking up office, this commitment has been my key priority and focus. This is evidenced in the recently announced Budget 2021 which provides record funding for housing, an overall investment of €3.3 billion, and that will support the delivery of 12,750 new homes, 9,500 of which will be delivered through build programmes.
634. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the promised €1 million payment to Galway County Council will be made; the reason it has been delayed to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33363/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recently approved a once off allocation of €1m for Galway County Council. This funding is linked to the operation of municipal districts and is subject to a small number of requirements, including that the funding be divided equally among the municipal districts. The allocation in question is for 2021 and the payment will be made in due course.
636. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the tenant purchase scheme review; his plans to amend the scheme to allow tenants in homes classed as apartments and duplexes to avail of tenant purchase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33439/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme came into operation on 1 January 2016. The Scheme is open to eligible tenants, including joint tenants, of local authority houses that are available for sale under the Scheme. To be eligible, tenants must meet certain criteria, including having a minimum reckonable income of €15,000 per annum and having been in receipt of social housing support for at least one year.
A review of the first 12 months of the Scheme’s operation has been undertaken. In addition, the Programme for Government commits to maintaining the right of social housing tenants to purchase their own home with some changes to eligibility. The review and the commitments in the Programme for Government are being examined as part of the work on the broader social housing reform agenda. I expect to be in a position to publish the review and finalise changes to the Scheme once the work on these reform measures is complete.
Provision has been made to allow tenants of apartments to avail of tenant purchase. Part 4 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 introduced the scheme for Tenant Purchase of local authority apartments, which came into operation on 1 January 2012. The Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the associated regulations provided for the commencement of the scheme and the terms and conditions of the scheme.
637. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of rabbits and hares that have tested positive for RHD2 since 1 January to date in 2020; the locations in which these hares and rabbits were discovered; and the names of the coursing clubs not permitted to hold a coursing meeting in the 2020-2021 coursing season as a result of their proximity to these locations. [33670/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe control of live hare coursing, including the operation of individual coursing meetings and managing the use of hares for that activity, is carried out under the Greyhound Industry Act 1958, which is the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM). My responsibility relates to the conservation status of the hare.
In 2020 to date, the RHD2 virus has been confirmed in 15 Locations in the counties of Clare (2 rabbits), Cork (4 rabbits), Galway (1 rabbit), Kildare (1 hare), Louth (1 rabbit), Offaly (2 rabbits), Tipperary (1 rabbit), Waterford (1 rabbit) and Wexford (1 hare and 1 rabbit) with some other animals still awaiting testing. My Department's officials will continue to work closely with colleagues in the regional laboratories and virology unit of the DAFM to gain a fuller understanding of the extent and impact of the disease in Ireland. All post-mortems and RHD2 testing to date has been done in DAFM laboratories and I would like to acknowledge their ongoing support and cooperation in our efforts to date.
The following Coursing Cubs are within the 25km restricted zones where there has been a positive RHD2 result: Balbriggan, Cashel, Cork, Dungarvan, Edenderry, Fermoy and Grange, Galbally, Glanworth, Knockgraffon, Mitchelstown, New Ross, Old Kilcullen and Rathcormac. I recently suspended nationwide the 2020/2021 license to capture and tag hares for coursing purposes.
638. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will allow approved applicants for the Rebuilding Ireland home loan but who are on the employment wage subsidy scheme to draw down their loans while receiving this benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33674/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan scheme remains open for business. All local authorities are receiving and processing RIHL applications and are incorporating increased flexibility to accommodate applicants during the COVID 19 Pandemic.
As is the case with any lender, local authorities must lend mortgages on a prudent basis, taking into account the most recent income and employment data available. This is both for the protection of the lender and the borrower, in particular to seek to ensure that borrowers are not left with unsustainable debt burdens, as a mortgage is a long-term commitment. It would not be appropriate to lend when there is an identifiable risk that the person’s income and ability to pay might not return to the level required to support the borrowing requested.
The Covid-19 situation has had an unprecedented economic impact and unfortunately some applicants for the RIHL have been affected. In order to address this issue, my Department has issued guidance to local authorities on the process for dealing with applicants already in the application/approval process whose economic circumstances have changed for the worse. These options could include reducing, suspending or withdrawing the amount that can be borrowed. However, there is no one size fits all approach, it depends on the individual circumstances.
Nevertheless, the fact that an applicant’s income is supported by the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS) or its successor scheme the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) is a factor that must be taken into account. As noted on Revenue’s website, employers’ participation in the TWSS scheme is ‘a declaration which states that, based on reasonable projections, there will be, as a result of disruption to the business caused or to be caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, a decline of at least 25% in the future turnover of, or customer orders for, the business for the duration of the pandemic and that as a result the employer cannot pay normal wages and outgoings fully but nonetheless wants to retain its employees on the payroll.’ This approach also applies to the successor scheme the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) which is now operational, where a decline of at least 30% in future turnover is projected for the period 1 July 2020 to 31 December 2020 for a participating business.
Given that the ability to repay a mortgage is based upon a careful assessment of an applicant’s employment situation, the fact that their employer has declared that they are unable to pay normal wages must be taken into consideration.
Therefore, on 6 July, my Department issued a Circular including additional guidance on the treatment of persons whose employers avail of the TWSS as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Where such persons are approved for a RIHL loan, draw down would not commence until their unsupported income post TWSS has returned to the level specified in the original application for a period of time, usually up to three months. This is line with the requirement to lend prudently. Local authorities can, however, use their judgement and knowledge of local employers to advance loans to applicants before the end of this three-month period, where appropriate. This also applies to the successor scheme the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS).
There are exceptions to this approach. In the case of a joint application where only one party is on TWSS or EWSS, the application can also proceed to drawdown if repayment capacity can be assured based on the other person’s income.
For applicants whose post-TWSS/EWSS income is lower (e.g. due to reduced hours) than stated on their application, their application can be re-assessed to determine the most appropriate borrowing amount for them. In addition, persons currently on the TWSS/EWSS can continue to apply for a RIHL mortgage based on their pre-TWSS/EWSS Income. This will provide clarity to applicants regarding their eligibility for the loan amount and will enable them to commence the property search.
639. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 134 and 135 of 14 October 2020, if existing planning permissions that have already been granted a five-year extension of duration will also benefit from the 56 days or eight weeks Covid-19 related extension. [33680/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs indicated in the previous reply of 14 October last on this matter, in light of the impacts of the Covid-19 emergency, the Government, on 29 March 2020, made an Order under section 251A of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended (the Act), which resulted in the extension of time for a range of specified or appropriate periods and timelines in the Planning Acts and associated planning regulations. Further orders were signed on 16 April 2020 and 9 May 2020, the last of which expired on 23 May 2020. The three Orders had the combined effect of extending the relevant planning periods and timelines, including the duration of planning permissions and extended durations of planning permissions, by an aggregate of 56 days/8 weeks during the time period in which they have effect. Accordingly, on foot of these Orders, planning permissions that have been granted a five year extension of duration will also benefit from the 56 days/ 8 weeks Covid-related extension.
640. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to the inadequate care being taken of the Quaker burial ground opposite Brú Chaoimhín on Cork Street, in view that the historic boundary walls are crumbling; his views on same; his plans to address the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33705/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's National Monuments Service has been engaged with for some time with the Health Service Executive (HSE), as owner of the site, in relation to the HSE's proposals to undertake certain conservation works.
On foot of those discussions, also involving Dublin City Council, the HSE commissioned a condition assessment and conservation report of the graveyard last year. This accords with best practice as a first step in managing such a heritage site. A preliminary phase of conservation works is now planned with the assistance of funding under my Department's Built Heritage Investment Scheme.
I understand that a schedule of works for a procurement process for a more extensive conservation project is now also being drawn up by the HSE with a view to further grant funding being sought for these works.
641. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if consideration has been given to widening the remit of An Bord Pleanála to hold meetings and stakeholder discussions with citizens that will be directly affected by upcoming strategic housing development applications, allowing for more citizen involvement than the submission of an observation to the application considering there is no court of appeal for citizens apart from the limited request for a judicial review on a point of law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33777/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Planning and Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies Act 2016 (the Act) introduced new streamlined arrangements to enable planning applications for strategic housing developments (SHDs) of 100 housing units or more, or student accommodation or shared accommodation developments of 200 bed spaces or more, to be made directly to An Bord Pleanála for determination.
The SHD planning application arrangements include provisions relating to public notification, site notice and public consultation of any such proposals. In this regard, the applicant must:
- erect a site notice in a conspicuous position on the land in which it is proposed to carry out a SHD,
- publish a notice of a SHD proposal in one or more newspapers circulating in the area in which it is proposed to carry out a SHD, and
- make the application available for public viewing on a website set up for this purpose.
The primary purpose of such a website is to provide information to interested parties in relation to the application for planning permission, in order to support transparency and public participation. It is therefore required to be in place from the date of making the application to the Board until 8 weeks after the applicant is notified of the Board's decision.
It should be noted that, a SHD application must also be available to view by members of the public in the offices of the Board and the relevant planning authority. Members of the public are able, within the requisite period and on payment of the appropriate fee, to make submissions to the Board about applications for large housing developments in the same manner as currently applies in respect of planning applications submitted to the local planning authority or appealed to the Board.
In addition, the Planning and Development (Strategic Housing Development) Regulations 2017 provide for the publication of a weekly list of applications received and applications determined or otherwise disposed of by the Board in relation to SHD cases.
The Act also provides that the Board may hold an Oral Hearing on a SHD planning application where it considers this to be appropriate.
I am satisfied that there are appropriate public participation procedures in place for proposed SHD planning applications.
642. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to establish a dedicated wildlife crime unit; the location the unit will be based; the number of staff that will be allocated to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33831/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI plan, with Minister of State Noonan to establish this dedicated Unit during 2021. Details in relation to the functions, location and staffing resources of the Unit have not been determined at this time.
643. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of data protection breaches identified within his Department in 2019. [33848/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraTwelve personal data breaches were identified by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government in 2019. All were dealt with in line with the Department’s Data Breach Management Policy, and as required under Articles 33-34 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). All twelve have been closed/resolved.
644. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the level of engagement that his Department has had to date with the County and City Managers’ Association to date in so far as community CCTV schemes and use of CCTV equipment for environmental enforcement purposes is concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33865/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraCommunity based CCTV schemes fall under Section 38 of the Garda Síochana Act 2005, as amended, which is under the remit of the Department of Justice.
Matters relating to environmental enforcement are a matter for the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications.
Local authorities are data controllers in their own right, with their own data protection officers appointed.
My Department has no role in advising local authorities, either directly or through the County and City Management Association (CCMA), on data protection issues, including in relation to CCTV usage.
645. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if local authorities and his Department plans to address the large reduction in commercial rates to Clare County Council arising specifically from the revaluation of the Moneypoint power station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33866/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal authorities are under a statutory obligation to levy rates on any property used for commercial purposes, in accordance with the details entered in the valuation lists prepared by the independent Commissioner of Valuation under the Valuation Acts 2001 to 2015. The Annual Rate on Valuation (ARV), which is applied to the valuation of each property determined by the Valuation Office to obtain the amount payable in rates, is decided by the elected members of each local authority in the annual budget and its determination is a reserved function. It is a matter for each local authority to determine its own spending priorities in the context of the annual budgetary process having regard to both locally identified needs and available resources.
The reduction in rates income to Clare County Council in 2021 as a result of the forthcoming downsizing of Moneypoint Powerstation is understood and I can confirm that once off support funding of €2.5m is to be made available from my Department to help Clare County Council mitigate the loss.
646. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if local authorities and his Department will consider bestowing town status on the heavily populated Westbury Shannon Banks community in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33867/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Government Reform Act 2014 established municipal districts as the fundamental sub-county level of governance and democratic representation in the State. Separate town councils are not provided for under the Act. Municipal districts are a key decision-making component, with specified reserved powers, of plenary councils and each municipal district can include several towns and their hinterlands.
The Programme for Government specifically commits to ensuring a strong voice for towns at the heart of local authority decision making. It also commits to considering the review by the Institute of Public Administration regarding the role and operation of municipal districts with a view to strengthening local democracy and to identifying local needs and initiatives needed to strengthen and grow our communities, villages and towns in a sustainable manner. This review, which was published on 25 June 2020, is available on the Institute's website at https://www.ipa.ie/_fileUpload/Documents/MunicipalReport_June2020.pdf .
647. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on amending building regulations to make it mandatory for public buildings to include changing places and toilet facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33945/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraNew buildings and extensions or material alterations to existing buildings must comply with the legal minimum performance standards set out in the Building Regulations 1997 - 2019. In this context, the Building Regulations (Part M Amendment) Regulations 2010, and the accompanying Technical Guidance Document M – Access and Use (2010), which came into effect on 1 January 2012, set out the minimum statutory requirements that a building must achieve in respect of access.
In relation to the Deputy’s specific query, I will give full consideration to a review in respect of provisions for changing places and toilet facilities (commonly known as a ‘Changing Places Toilet’) in certain buildings. This may involve an amendment to the requirements of Part M and the development of sufficiently detailed guidance for inclusion in the associated Technical Guidance Document M to ensure proper practical implementation in both certain new buildings and existing buildings undergoing works.
The requirements of Part M aim to ensure that regardless of age, size or disability:
- new buildings other than dwellings are accessible and usable;
- extensions to existing buildings other than dwellings are, where practicable, accessible and useable;
- material alterations to existing buildings other than dwellings increase the accessibility and usability of existing buildings, where practicable;
- certain changes of use to existing buildings other than dwellings increase the accessibility and usability of existing buildings where practicable; and
- new dwellings are visitable.
Part M of the Building Regulations aims to foster an inclusive approach to the design and construction of the built environment. While the Part M requirements may be regarded as a statutory minimum level of provision, the accompanying technical guidance encourages building owners and designers to have regard to the design philosophy of universal design and to consider making additional provisions where practicable and appropriate.
While the latest iteration of Part M of the Building Regulations initially coincided with the general downturn in economic and construction activity, its positive effects on access and use in the built environment can now be seen more widely.
The Building Regulations, including Part M requirements, are subject to ongoing review in the interests of safety and the well-being of persons in the built environment and to ensure that due regard is taken of changes in construction techniques, technological progress and innovation.
Costs are examined in the context of proposed legislative changes, particularly in relation to Building Regulations, and a cost benefit analysis and regulatory impact analysis is carried out on any proposed amendments.
