Simon, little surprise that a well-meaning process emerges from legislative drafting as overly complex and challenging to interpret. One can almost hear the instructions, consultations and drafting discussions that led to this outcome. And, as you rightly point out, the original purpose is rarely achieved and sometimes frustrated. Boiler plate documents that sit inert in some digital file are frequently the legacy.
There will also be, as you say, costs that have to be met by someone and I am sure that a cottage industry of compliance consulting on this topic is already in full swing.
My experience is that by the time the final draft emerges most of the stakeholders have moved on to the next crisis/failure and have little energy to regroup and ask whether what's on the page will produce the outcomes that were originally desired.
All very sad when there is normally a matter of some importance that needs to fixed.
At first sight, the objective of these regulations is to minimise the likelihood and/or impact of another Grenfell disaster.
I suggest that this reading misses the point. The real objective of the regulations is to ensure that if – heaven forbid! – there is another similar incident, the finger of blame can be pointed at anyone other than government. Investigators after the event will be able to pick through the activities of the managing agent with a view to placing the blame on the managing agent, rather than the authorities.
By making the regulations sufficiently complex, they can be confident that they would be able to put their finger upon some failure, and ensure that the blame lies elsewhere.
I would not like to be an insurer of managing agents' professional indemnity cover!
One of the many cases where legislation and regulation “over egg the pudding” to the ultimate detriment of everyone. Try putting on community events in a West Sussex village! We have to do risk assessments, have a safeguarding policy, have a separate licence to serve alcohol, first aiders on duty (I am now fully trained you will be gratified to know!) I now know Lord Lytton (John) who speaks with knowledge on such things in the second chamber if you want to pass on some key points.
Simon, little surprise that a well-meaning process emerges from legislative drafting as overly complex and challenging to interpret. One can almost hear the instructions, consultations and drafting discussions that led to this outcome. And, as you rightly point out, the original purpose is rarely achieved and sometimes frustrated. Boiler plate documents that sit inert in some digital file are frequently the legacy.
There will also be, as you say, costs that have to be met by someone and I am sure that a cottage industry of compliance consulting on this topic is already in full swing.
My experience is that by the time the final draft emerges most of the stakeholders have moved on to the next crisis/failure and have little energy to regroup and ask whether what's on the page will produce the outcomes that were originally desired.
All very sad when there is normally a matter of some importance that needs to fixed.
At first sight, the objective of these regulations is to minimise the likelihood and/or impact of another Grenfell disaster.
I suggest that this reading misses the point. The real objective of the regulations is to ensure that if – heaven forbid! – there is another similar incident, the finger of blame can be pointed at anyone other than government. Investigators after the event will be able to pick through the activities of the managing agent with a view to placing the blame on the managing agent, rather than the authorities.
By making the regulations sufficiently complex, they can be confident that they would be able to put their finger upon some failure, and ensure that the blame lies elsewhere.
I would not like to be an insurer of managing agents' professional indemnity cover!
One of the many cases where legislation and regulation “over egg the pudding” to the ultimate detriment of everyone. Try putting on community events in a West Sussex village! We have to do risk assessments, have a safeguarding policy, have a separate licence to serve alcohol, first aiders on duty (I am now fully trained you will be gratified to know!) I now know Lord Lytton (John) who speaks with knowledge on such things in the second chamber if you want to pass on some key points.