On-going building safety reforms

Eight years after the Grenfell Tower fire, the government continues to promote wide‑ranging reforms of the building safety, construction, and fire safety landscape.

Its third progress report, produced by the Grenfell Inquiry, outlines significant regulatory changes, ongoing consultations, and future legislative commitments extending into 2029.

Creation of a single construction regulator

There is an intention to merge the offices of Building Safety Regulator and the National Construction Products Regulator into a unified body overseeing building safety, professional regulation, and construction product standards. Consultation on this proposal closes in March 2026 with a White Paper promised by Spring 2026, legislation by 2027–2029 and the new regulator to be operational by 2028–2029.

Construction product reform

Reforms are proposed which focus on improving product testing, certification, and market oversight. A proposed licensing scheme for conformity assessment bodies will fall under the new regulator. These changes are expected between 2027 and 2029.

Higher‑Risk Building (HRB) definition

The current definition—residential buildings over 18m or 7 storeys—will be retained, at least for now. The government acknowledges the limitations of height‑based metrics and will continue evidence‑based evaluation through the Building Safety Regulator.

Fire safety leadership & strategy

Responsibility for fire safety has been consolidated within the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. A new interim Chief Construction Adviser was appointed in 2025, with a permanent role due in 2026. Updated fire safety strategy guidance may become statutory by 2029.

Technical guidance reform

A full review of Approved Document B and other building regulations guidance is underway, with expert panel‑led updates expected in 2026.

Regulation of fire engineers

Government is progressing competency standards, training requirements, and a new regulatory framework shaped by the Fire Engineers Advisory Panel. Consultation will launch in 2026, with legislation expected 2027–2029.

Duty holder & competence reforms

Two key initiatives are advancing:

• Principal Designer Statement: A proposed statutory compliance statement at Gateway 2 (legislation 2027–2029)
• Licensing of Principal Contractors: A licensing regime for HRB contractors aligned to Building Safety Act duties.

Mandatory accredited certification for fire risk assessors is also planned (consultation in 2026; legislation by 2029).

Delivery against Grenfell Inquiry recommendations

All 58 of the previous Phase 2 report recommendations have been accepted and the government believes it remains on track for full delivery within four years. Annual parliamentary reporting begins in February 2026, with quarterly updates thereafter.

Remediation & wider sector reforms

• Cladding remediation: As of October 2025, 5,570 buildings over 11m are being monitored; 49% have started or completed work; 1,946 are reported to have been fully remediated
• HRB regime: A consultation will consider adjustments to the definition. Bodies such as the Royal Institute of British Architects and others continue to make the point that fire does not discriminate based on a building’s height and that it’s the use of a building which should be focussed on.

Fire & rescue reforms continue, including work toward a new College of Fire and Rescue and updated national guidance.

For more information, please contact a member of the HCR Construction team.