Ref: LCO-048
Proposed Building Regulations Legislative Competence Order
Mike German
Pre-ballot Information: Outline Proposed Legislative Competence Order
Outline of proposed Order
Field 18 (Town and Country Planning) of Part 1 of Schedule 5 to the Government of Wales Act 2006 is to be amended as follows:
In Field 18 (Town and Country Planning) insert: “Provision to make regulations with respect to the design and construction of buildings.”
Pre-ballot Information: Explanatory Memorandum
Policy Objectives of the Proposed Order
The LCO will confer powers onto the National Assembly to enable the Assembly to make and amend building regulations (as defined in the Building Act 1984).
The power over building regulations will enable the Assembly to set certain environmental standards for all new buildings.
Wales will need to make its own contribution to cutting carbon emissions as we attempt to tackle climate change, and the ability to ensure that all new buildings are built to carbon neutral standards will play a crucial part in helping Wales reduce its carbon emissions.
Consultation and Support
On Tuesday 13th February 2007, the Welsh Assembly Government published a policy statement outlining a programme of action to tackle and deal with climate change. This programme included achieving zero carbon levels for all new build by 2011. This aspiration has subsequently been supported by the First Minster since the Assembly elections
