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Chiefly, the changes are in the areas of: • Means of escape • Internal fire spread - linings • Internal fire spread - structure • External fire spread • Facilities and access for NIFRS • Fire safety information • Automatic fire suppression systems On the last point, the requirement will relate to: • A building, containing one or more flats, with a storey more than 11m above ground level.
construction projects over a number of years.
several previous procedures, including the competitive procedure
with negotiation-restricted procedure, and competitive
IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW PROCUREMENT ACT Delayed from its original implementation date of November 2024, the new procurement rules will now come into effect at the end of February 2025. CPD is taking the lead on the Act’s implementation in Northern Ireland as it is expected that training for the industry will gradually roll out over the coming months – notably on how to use, and what will be contained within, the new central digital platform. Other changes include: • Cutting red tape: The regulations are designed to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy, supporting more streamlined procurement processes. • Improved transparency: A fully open and transparent procurement system will allow everyone access to public procurement data, ensuring accountability and providing a clearer picture of public sector spending. • Faster emergency procedures: Procurement processes for emergency situations will be expedited, allowing urgent needs to be addressed more quickly and effectively. • Support for SMEs: Simplified procedures will encourage more small and medium-sized enterprises to bid for public contracts, ensuring a more inclusive marketplace. Competitive Flexible Procedure: One of the major changes is the introduction of a Competitive Flexible Procedure which replaces
dialogue. This new procedure gives contracting authorities the flexibility to design their tendering process according to the specific needs of each procurement. This approach can be particularly useful for complex contracts and allows for: • Post-tender negotiations (after open or selective tendering rounds). • Multi-stage negotiations following initial tenders. Other innovations in the Act offering new tools for procurement include: • Open frameworks: More adaptable contract frameworks. • Dynamic markets: Flexible market structures to better meet changing needs. • Direct award routes: Easier and more flexible procurement award methods. CHANGES TO BUILDING REGULATIONS COMING IN MAY 2025 After a consultation in the summer of 2023, DoF Building Regulations have now moved forward with amendments to Technical Booklets E and R. The changes to Technical Booklets E and R take effect from May 6, 2025. The previous editions will continue to apply to work started before May 6, 2025, or to work subject to a building notice or full plans application submitted before that date. The changes predominately relate to Part E - Fire safety, and are the first of the major uplifts linked to the UK Building Safety Act 2022 to be taken forward in Northern Ireland.
• A building, containing purpose-built student
accommodation, with a storey more than 11m above ground level. For newbuild housing, a consultation on the Phase 3 uplift is likely in the first half of 2025. NEW HOMES CODE AND OMBUDSMAN TAKE A STEP FORWARD In October, the UK Government announced it was going to implement a single mandatory consumer code for all housebuilders. Additionally, it would also activate the New Homes Ombudsman Scheme. There is no exact timescale for this as yet in Northern Ireland, but we are engaging with the New Homes Quality Board on it and will advise members of the steps they will need to take in due course. “As the Executive moves towards consulting on how it will spend its 2025/26 Budget, it must establish a review of how NI Water is funded.”
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