Chamber and committees

Thanks for that.

A number of external building elements are specifically excluded from the requirement to use non-combustible materials—examples of that are doors, windows and glazing. Are the witnesses satisfied that those exemptions will not potentially compromise fire safety? If not, what changes would you like to see made to the regulations?

Good morning, and thank you for joining us in the meeting room and online.

I will continue the line of questioning about the regulation preventing the use of

“highly combustible metal composite material”

in external cladding and insulation. Is the definition in the regulations robust enough to ensure that any dangers that are posed by such material have now been reduced as far as is reasonably practicable? Are there other things that we need to look at specifically in terms of metal composite material? Peter—you touched on that, so I will start with you.

Does anyone else want to come in on that? I know that George Edwardes is on the technical steering group.

Does anyone want to come in? I know that George Edwardes and Laura Hughes have had sound issues, but do either of you want to come in on those points? I see that they do not.

My final question is about the Government having changed the threshold from 18m to 11m, which I welcome. Do you think that all buildings should be included in that specific reduction? That is for Peter Drummond.

That is helpful. Does anyone else want to come in?

Thanks. Does Jack Evans want to answer?

Thank you for that. Does anyone else want to come in?

I know that Bill Scott wants to come in but, in the interest of time, I will ask my next question before I bring him in. In relation to the changes that are needed to the affordable housing supply programme, I think that we all agree with some of the steps that have been taken towards preventative models. Those are welcome, but that often goes beyond being able to keep people in their homes. What changes are needed to ensure that those steps have the maximum effect on meeting child poverty targets?

I want to expand on that and ask about access to training and skills. Many colleges, for example, have put in place additional facilities, although those have been impacted during the pandemic. Do you have anything to add on that flexibility for people to upskill and access college places where they are available?

If no one wants to comment on that, I am happy to move on. I see that Bill Scott has his hand up.