The biggest changes in building safety regulations in 25 years will not only affect local authorities with tower blocks but ‘impose wider responsibilities’ on all councils say building safety chiefs.

The draft Building Safety Bill means residents in high rise buildings over 18 metres will have powers to challenge lack of action from building owners.

Residents and leaseholders will have access to safety information about their building and new complaints handling requirements will be introduced. There will also be a new national regulator for building safety, within the Health and Safety Executive.