Agenda item

To present the report of the Head of Regulation and Economic Development.

The report of the Head of Regulation and Economic Development outlining the building control improvement notice response was presented for the Executive’s consideration.

The Leader of the Council said that notification was received in April 2025 by Welsh Ministers that an investigation had been instigated after they received an allegation that there had been a contravention of the Operational Standards Rules (Wales) 2024.  An urgent internal investigation was undertaken to establish the veracity of the allegation and immediate steps were undertaken by the Council which was highlighted within the report.

The Portfolio Member for Planning, Public Protection and Climate Change said that it is important that the Council has acknowledged the weaknesses that has occurred and the recommendations within the report have already been addressed before receiving advice from the Inspectorate and improvements have been undertaken to improve the service.  

Councillor Carwyn Jones said that a comprehensive response has been made to the building control improvement notice.  He ascertained as to whether the work undertaken by the Building Control Team was compliant with the relevant standards in the previous years and what assurance can be given there are no other issues that may arise in the future as to the safety of buildings.  

The Chief Executive responded that there were changes within the Operational Standards Rules and the Council had not responded within the required timeframe.  The staff within the Building Control Team are experience and have the required knowledge as regards to building control legislation and that training is now been afforded to ensure full compliance with the new standards.  

The Head of Regulation and Economic Development said that the capacity of the Building Control Team has been temporarily strengthened to ensure that the team has the skills and competency.  An experience Officer has conducted a review of historic building control applications between October 2024 and March 2025 and no issues have been raised as regards to the decisions taken on building control applications.  He further said that he is confident that the correct decisions have been undertaken and that the Team is working effectively and complies with statutory compliance.  

The Leader of the Council ascertained whether there is a training and workforce plan is in place as regards to this service.

The Head of Regulation and Economic Development responded that the trainees and the Technical Support Officer within the service has commenced a training  programme to ensure that they are able to attain the necessary skills and qualifications to undertake the work in compliance with the new legislation. 

The Chief Executive said that it has been recognised, on a national level, that there is a lack of expertise and skills within the building control area.  Due changes to the legislation, Welsh Government will need to invest further to create a professional workforce.  Local Authorities afford the trainees training, but these staff sometimes leave the authority and there is a continued process of having to train new staff.   He expressed that the retention of staff is important to comply with legislation.

It was RESOLVED :-

·         to endorse the Council’s response to Welsh Ministers in relation to a Building Control Improvement Notice.

·         with the prior agreement of the Council Chair, to exclude the right of the Scrutiny Committee to call-in this decision.  Delaying the decision to allow a call-in period by the Scrutiny Committee would be detrimental as the Council is required to respond to Welsh Government by the 14^th October, 2025 to demonstrate how it is complying with the Notice.