Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, whether he is taking steps to ensure that EWS1 certificates are only issued by qualified (a) chartered or (b) incorporated engineers.

The External Wall System Review form (EWS1) is not a statutory requirement or Government process and we have agreed with the industry that this should be minimised.

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) have issued guidance on its use and application, including on the relevant expertise and qualification of the signatories of EWS1 forms. RICS are clear that anyone instructing an EWS1 must be satisfied that the signatory meets the requirements in their guidance.