The Association of Consultant Approved Inspectors has said building control is at a 'crisis point', with building inspectors forced to stop work due to a lack of insurance cover.  Reports suggest that many people (including thousands of homeowners) face the expensive prospect of having to open up work previously inspected.

LABC advises that "If work has started on site, any work not covered by a lawfully issued Final Certificate must - by law - be passed back to your local council to ensure compliance with the Building Regulations. Only if work has not started then another AI can submit an Initial Notice for the work."

There is some good news for beleaguered approved inspectors however. The Court of Appeal has upheld a first instance decision striking out a claim for breach of the Defective Premises Act 1972, on the basis that approved inspectors do not owe a duty under section 1 as their role does not amount to "work for or in connection with the provision of a dwelling". Full details are available here.