Proposals to improve record keeping

Date published: 20/03/2007

A consultation paper has been published on proposals to improve record keeping on the building control functions of Local Authorities (LAs).

The Building Control Information Registers aims to improve consistency in the record keeping of LAs and provide uniformity in the information and the costs provided to both the public and the property industry. Currently, LAs are required to keep public registers containing information relating to the building control activities of Approved Inspectors, but they are not obliged to keep information or documentation which they receive or issue in their own capacity as building control bodies (including information and documentation from competent persons).

The changes aim to:

• Improve consistency in the record keeping among Local Authorities
• Provide a comprehensive record of building control activity including that of Competent Persons
• Address variations in the charge to the public for copies of documents
• Assist  property search companies and surveyors in retrieving information more easily at a reasonable cost
• Promote good practice amongst LA.

Communities and Local Government minister Angela Smith said: "The proposals in this consultation will help drive out poor quality and inconsistency in the delivery of building service control. Requiring Local Authorities to keep, maintain and make available public registers on their own building control functions as well as that of Approved Inspectors and Competent Persons will provide clarity, benefiting both the public and industry.

"The register will also assist with home sales following the introduction of Home Information Packs in the summer by helping buyers check on the lawfulness of any building work that has been carried out on the property they are interested in buying".

The consultation will last three months.

• The consultation document can be found at: www.communities.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1508731
• The proposed regulations would be implemented as part of the Sustainable and Secure Buildings Act 2004, which amends the Building Act 1984.