In October last year, the Secretary of State announced intended transitional arrangements to accompany new guidance relating to second staircases in new residential buildings in England above 18 metres. The Secretary of State described these as ‘the latest step in a continuing effort to ensure that new buildings are constructed, managed and maintained to the very highest standards’, messaging which was reiterated in the Written Ministerial Statement (WMS) ‘Long-term plan for housing update’ issued on 19 February 2024.