To ask the Minister of Finance for his assessment of the impact of the ban on combustible materials in England, particularly in consideration of the ongoing review of changes there, in relation to the proposals contained in the consultation on the Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012 and the update to technical guidance.

The effective ban on combustible materials in England’s Building Regulations was introduced in December 2018. Analysis of the effect on industry in England due to the ban is too early to evaluate. A survey of stakeholders in relation to the ban was commissioned by the Ministry for Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) and conducted by consultants Adroit Economics Ltd. The survey results were published in August 2019.

There was a commitment to review the effectiveness of the ban in England after one year and a further consultation was carried out in January 2020. That consultation closed on 25 May 2020 and the responses are still being analysed by MHCLG. Officials from my Department’s Building Standards Branch maintain ongoing contact with MHCLG colleagues and are awaiting any proposals for change. Any changes will be considered in the local context with the local Building Advisory Committee (NIBRAC) in advance of finalising proposals here.