Another Building Reform Bill Sent To Select Committee

Another Building Reform Bill Sent To Select Committee

A Bill proposing further reform of building laws including a hefty fine for doing work without a building consent was sent to select committee for consideration this evening.

The Building Amendment Bill (No 4) was born out a review of building laws which arose out of concern both about building standards and the cost of construction.

It received cross-party support and was sent to the Local Government Committee on a voice votee.

Amongst other things the Bill:

Introduces consumer protection measures, including mandatory written contracts for work valued over a prescribed amount, mandatory disclosure of certain information by building contractors, and new offences for breaches of these requirements;

Adds a new power for territorial authorities to deal with buildings that are at risk because they are near or adjacent to dangerous buildings;

Increases the maximum penalty for the offence of doing building work without a building consent from $100,000 to $200,000;

Clarifies the powers of the Chief Executive of the Department of Building and Housing to review the performance of territorial authorities, regional authorities, and building consent authorities under the Act;

Earlier the Appropriation (2010/11 Financial Review) Bill completed its committee stage by 64 to 57 with National, Maori Party, ACT and United Future in favour.

The third reading vote was held immediately afterwards and the bill passed by the same majority.

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