17 January 2006 - ODPM Announce Delay in Fire Safety Reform

17 January 2006 - ODPM Announce Delay in Fire Safety Reform:

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) has announced there is to be a delay with the introduction of the new Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (RRO), which will affect non-domestic premises in England and Wales.

The reason given by the ODPM for the delay, is to allow businesses and safety experts more time to prepare for the introduction of the new Regulations.

Northern Ireland and Scotland have their own laws on fire safety within non-domestic premises. Scotland's fire safety reform is expected to come into force in October 2006 at the earliest.

Jim Fitzpatrick, the ODPM Minister responsible for fire safety explained in a written statement:

“During the passage of the Order it was of concern to the House that business and enforcers should have adequate time to familiarise themselves with the new regime and the guidance that will accompany it and that the coming into force date should, so far as practicable, be timed to coincide as closely as possible with reform of fire safety laws in Scotland.

'Despite extensive work with stakeholders it is clear that all the guidance documents will not be ready for a full 12 week gap between publication and coming into force on 1 April 2006.

'In the light of the commitments we have given to the House and our commitment to ensuring this reform is properly backed, we have therefore concluded that the coming into force of the substantive provisions of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order should be put back.”

Mary Boughton, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Health and Safety Spokesperson said:

'This is an important reform and it is therefore vital that it is implemented successfully. People's lives could depend on it.

'Many of our members will be ready for the original date, which will mean that they will be compliant well in advance, but it also allows