Open Consultations

The BWF and our members are regularly consulted by Government and other bodies on policies, standards, legislation and regulations affecting the woodworking and joinery industry.

Below is a list of open consultations that we believe will have an impact on our members and our industry as a whole.

Organisation	Heading	Description	Closing Date
Scottish Government	Consultation Enhancing the accessibility, adaptability and usability of Scotland’s homes	The scope of this consultation is twofold. Firstly, it proposes updates to Part 1 of the Housing for Varying Needs design guide to enhance the accessibility, adaptability and usability of (a) homes delivered through the Scottish Government’s Affordable Housing Supply Programme and (b) accommodation delivered by local authorities through the Scottish Government’s Gypsy/Traveller Accommodation Fund (or subsequent funding). Secondly, it introduces the principles which we consider underpin the all-tenure Scottish Accessible Homes Standard – as well as setting out our proposals for updates to building standards and guidance which will apply to (a) all new build homes and (b) homes delivered through the conversion of non-residential buildings into housing. Click here to view full consultation	21st December 2023
Department for Business and Trade	Call for evidence Smarter regulation and the regulatory Landscape	The purpose of this call for evidence is for DBT to understand: (A) what works well and what could be improved in how regulators operate to deliver for the sectors they serve (B) any further steps DBT can take to reform the existing stock of regulation on the UK statute book Click here to view full consultation	7th January 2024
Welsh Government	Consultation Part B (Fire Safety) of the Building Regulations	The Welsh Government is proposing to, • amend the ban on the use of combustible materials in and on external walls of buildings • setting limits on the use of combustible materials on certain buildings over 11m • introduce Evacuation Alert System (EAS) • introduce Secure Information Boxes in all new blocks of flats with a floor of 11m or more above ground level • introduce floor identification and flat wayfinding signage • an amendment regarding referencing of BS EN 13501 and BS 476 • a call for evidence over the number of stairs in buildings and the removal of all references to the BS 476 fire classifications from AD B Click here to view full consultation	9th January 2024
Scottish Government	Consultation Building standards enforcement and sanctions	The proposals aim to strengthening existing provisions, Section 21 Occupation or use without completion certificate, 27 Building warrant enforcement notices, and 48 Penalties for offences of the Building (Scotland) Act 2003. These proposals are to: • Include owners in the offences for occupation without completion (section 21) • Include removal of work, introduce a standalone stop notice, and clarify the scope of section 27 to take action after acceptance of a completion certificate for Higher Risk Buildings (HRBs) with a time limit for serving enforcement notices (section 27). • Increase penalties for offences (section 48) that will also apply to Offences by bodies corporate etc. (section 49). Click here to view full consultation	15th January 2024