The Act - an Overview
7.The Act retains the general framework of the 1959 Act though some of the procedures involved in the building standards process are changed to make them simpler and to reflect existing practice. The hierarchy of building regulations is amended to simplify compliance with European obligations as described below. Local authorities’ powers in relation to entry and inspection are altered with a view to making the identification of dangerous buildings easier. Provision is made for more information to be made available publicly on building warrant applications and completion certificates in relation to specific buildings. The Act provides for approved designers and approved persons or bodies involved in the construction process to certify that elements of a building do or will comply with building regulations. Ministers are given power to appoint bodies other than local authorities to undertake the role of verifying compliance with building regulations.
8.The Act is in six parts:
	Part 1: Building regulations
	Part 2: Approval of construction work etc.
	Part 3: Compliance and enforcement
	Part 4: Defective and dangerous buildings
	Part 5: General
	Part 6: Supplementary