A consultation exercise has been launched on reforms of building regulations for high-rise residential blocks after the Grenfell Tower tragedy two years ago which killed 72 people.

The Ministry of Housing is seeking views on proposed legislation which includes a new 'dutyholder' regime and a more effective regulatory and accountability framework for buildings.

Dutyholders will be responsible for ensuring that building regulations – the minimum standards a building must meet – are complied with and that a building remains safe.

It follows Dame Judith Hackitt’s review published last year which led to the Government’s Building a Safer Future white paper.

Proposals included establishing a new building safety regulator and creating criminal offences to make sure that those responsible for the safety of a high rise residential building comply with their responsibilities.

However, the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) criticised the short timescale of the consultation, which will only last for eight weeks rather than 12.