Single Building Assessment Specification Task and Finish Group: final output and recommendations - March 2024

Annex D: Summary of Recommendations of SBA Task and Finish Group

The key recommendations of the Group are:

1. Developer led SBA should be able to be taken forward in line with a relevant scope / process.

2. The SBA process when finalised should take account of internal and external works and roles and responsibilities of developers, homeowners, etc.

3. PAS9980 should be used in Scotland as the basis for SBA. Consideration should be given to grading of risk / prioritisation of buildings (which is difficult to achieve within current ‘low risk’ and ‘high risk’ definitions set out in Scottish Advice Note).

4. A full specification for the SBA (and basis of what guidance is used) is rapidly needed to provide granularity of detail for assessments.

5. Consideration needs to be given to addressing the legislative landscape in Scotland including whether a fire risk assessment would be required for ongoing management of fire risk. This is considered outwith the scope of this Task and Finish Group but noted as a recommendation.

6. Remediation, if required, should be done once and well to enable it to be added to the register.

7. Expert panel should be removed. If concept of the panel is pursued, it has been requested that it also includes the building control function, so there would not be additional workload or duplication in engaging with SG panel and Local Authority Building Control.

Conclusion

The SBA Task and Finish Group has successfully fulfilled its remit.

The Group met the objectives to discuss outstanding issues and seek resolution where possible. Resolution has been found for several issues including Developer- led SBAs and requirements relating to the SBA specification.

Where resolution has not been possible, the Group has still achieved its objective to agree a consensus and recommendations for further consideration. For example, on the utilisation of PAS9980 in Scotland. It is now for the Cladding Remediation Directorate to explore these outstanding issues with relevant Policy, Building Standards, Legal and Fire Rescue Unit colleagues to understand what is possible and agree next steps.

The Group achieved its objective to work collaboratively and through this Group, stronger working relationships between SG, Homes for Scotland and Developers have been established as a result.

Next Steps

As per the objectives established within the terms of reference for the Group, this output and recommendations will be reported to the Developer Contract Negotiation Group at the Accord Sprint Meeting on 8^th December 2023. This output and recommendations will also be presented at the next Ministerial Roundtable.

Following both, the Cladding Remediation Programme will work with necessary colleagues across SG to further consider and address the recommendations.