LABC

The LABC Cymru survey results answer critics who claim that local authorities are not enforcing Building Regulation Part L relating to energy conservation. The results follow closely the pattern of a similar research project in Cornwall in March.

LABC Cymru undertook this survey against a background of misunderstanding of "Enforcement." Many people think that building control surveyors only enforce particular Building Regulations when seeking a prosecution. However the reality is that a more collaborative approach is used with guidance given on problems spotted at an early stage. This pre-contravention intervention saves both time and money for all parties while still ensuring compliance.

The survey undertaken by LABC Cymru tracked surveyors in 10 local authorities (almost half of the total in Wales - 22) in Spring 2009. The survey found that all of parts of the Building Regulations from A-P were enforced at some point during the 2469 inspections included; the 7357 PCIs show that often more than one pre-contravention intervention occurred at a project.

Paul Everall, Chief Executive of LABC, welcoming the survey results said: "We celebrate the success of LABC Cymru: this demonstrates how working with the building industry provides not only more energy efficient and sustainable buildings, but also achieves better value. The emphasis on feedback during the design and build means that both time and money are saved because corrections can be made at an earlier stage. From everyone's point of view prevention is better than cure."

"Measuring enforcement by the number of prosecutions against non-compliant buildings does not give a true reflection of the emphasis that LABC Cymru has placed on sustainability issues in their work. These figures show how often building control surveyors make pre-contravention interventions (PCIs), and by explaining and guiding builders and contractors we get the right results and keep them engaged with us."

• To view the survey results, go to the Press Release.