LABC and IFE closer cooperation

Local Authority Building Control (LABC) and the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) signed a memorandum of cooperation at the launch of the 100% Hackitt initiative on 22 October and the relationship is already producing results.

Phil Hammond reflected on the busy time since then, saying "LABC has been working very closely with Neil Gibbins and his team at the Institution of Fire Engineers. The week after agreeing the MoU, we had a very productive Fire Sector Conference in Edinburgh.

"Lorna Stimpson explained LABC's commitment to implement all of the Hackitt Review's 53 recommendations. She illustrated that without competition in building control, the functional regulatory role of local authorities is preserved without conflicts of interest – just like it is for environmental health, fire services, planning and trading standards. Competition in building control provides regulatory choice and choice creates the culture, for some, of buying the least intervention at the lowest cost.

"The Institution has given fantastic support in providing independent help and expertise on LABC's validation exam of its high-risk fire surveyors. The first wave of tests saw nearly 40 LABC surveyors pass the assessment with the second wave being marked currently. LABC is working flat out to do what we can to create Safer Future."