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

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to introduce updated regulations following the consultation Sprinklers in care homes, removal of national classes, and staircases in residential buildings, published 23 December 2022; and what assessment they have made of claims that the uncertainty has led to new home construction being paused.

The Sprinklers in care homes, removal of national classes, and staircases in residential buildings consultation set out proposals to amend Building Regulations statutory guidance (Approved Document B). It closed in March 2023. More than 270 responses were received from industry, trade professions, residents’ groups and others, which are being analysed now. We recognise the construction industry’s need for clarity and we will provide that to the sector as soon as possible.