Building Control Independent Panel BCIP - Revision history

Designing Buildings at 06:04, 5 August 2025

2025-08-05T06:04:06Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:04, 5 August 2025
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	On 26 February 2025 as part of the Government's response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry it announced the establishment of the independent panel to review Building Control, something the inquiry had recommended, in relation to considering whether to remove commercial interests from building control and to move to a national authority decision model.		On 26 February 2025 as part of the Government's response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry it announced the establishment of the independent panel to review Building Control, something the inquiry had recommended, in relation to considering whether to remove commercial interests from building control and to move to a national authority decision model.

−	On 24 April, 2025 the government announced the five members of the ~~independent Building Control review~~ panel; chaired by Dame Judith Hackitt, and joined by Elaine Bailey, Ken Rivers, Rt Hon Nick Raynsford and Dr David Snowball.	+	On 24 April, 2025 the government announced the five members of the panel; chaired by Dame Judith Hackitt, and joined by Elaine Bailey, Ken Rivers, Rt Hon Nick Raynsford and Dr David Snowball.

	= Tasks of the panel =		= Tasks of the panel =

Designing Buildings at 06:03, 5 August 2025

2025-08-05T06:03:15Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:03, 5 August 2025
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	On 26 February 2025 as part of the Government's response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry it announced the establishment of the independent panel to review Building Control, something the inquiry had recommended, in relation to considering whether to remove commercial interests from building control and to move to a national authority decision model.		On 26 February 2025 as part of the Government's response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry it announced the establishment of the independent panel to review Building Control, something the inquiry had recommended, in relation to considering whether to remove commercial interests from building control and to move to a national authority decision model.

−	~~On 24 April 2025,~~ On 24 April, 2025 the government announced the five members of the independent Building Control review panel ~~appointed,~~ chaired by Dame Judith Hackitt, and joined by Elaine Bailey, Ken Rivers, Rt Hon Nick Raynsford and Dr David Snowball.	+	On 24 April, 2025 the government announced the five members of the independent Building Control review panel; chaired by Dame Judith Hackitt, and joined by Elaine Bailey, Ken Rivers, Rt Hon Nick Raynsford and Dr David Snowball.

−	~~On 18 June 2025~~, the ~~Industry~~ and ~~Regulators Committee which was created~~ to ~~consider matters relating~~ to ~~industry~~, the ~~Government industrial growth~~, ~~skills, competitiveness~~, and the ~~work~~ of ~~UK regulators announced its second inquiry 'an inquiry into building safety regulation,'~~with a ~~particular focus on~~ the work of the ~~Building Safety~~ Regulator~~' (BSR)~~.	+	= Tasks of the panel =
		+
		+	The Building Control Independent Panel is tasked with advising the UK Government on two key questions raised in the Grenfell Inquiry: whether commercial interests should play a role in building control and whether a national authority should oversee all building control functions. The panel will work with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), and other stakeholders to investigate ongoing issues such as conflicts of interest and capacity challenges that may still exist in both private and public sectors. These issues were identified as contributing factors to building control failures before the Grenfell Tower fire.
		+
		+	Beyond the immediate questions posed by the Inquiry, the panel will explore broader reforms to building control oversight. This includes assessing different models of building control decision-making, examining what level of oversight is appropriate for different types of buildings, and evaluating the adequacy of existing legal powers under the Building Safety Act 2022 and the Building Act 1984. A key focus will be whether customer choice can be retained with improved safeguards, or if stricter oversight is needed across a wider range of buildings. If changes are recommended, the panel will also consider how a transition could be implemented effectively.
		+
		+	The panel’s work will also support the government’s goal of delivering 1.5 million safe new homes, considering how reforms like a Single Construction Regulator and Chief Construction Adviser could help achieve this. They will examine how these reforms could integrate with existing local authority structures and emerging devolution strategies. Interdependencies with other policy areas will be addressed, including workforce competency, regulatory gaps, digital data use, and potential reforms to technical building regulations and fee structures. The panel will collaborate with officials and stakeholders to identify and analyse these themes as part of forming their recommendations.

	= Problem statement =		= Problem statement =

−	A discussion with Dame Judith Hackitt chair of the BCIP on 15 July, 2025 ~~exploring~~ whether the BSR has improved high-rise safety, its impact on new housing delivery and maintenance, and changes in industry culture since the Grenfell Tower fire. It also discussed if the BSR framework could be made more proportionate without compromising safety and if the regulator has the necessary skills and resources for timely approvals of projects.	+	A discussion with Dame Judith Hackitt chair of the BCIP on 15 July, 2025 explored whether the BSR has improved high-rise safety, its impact on new housing delivery and maintenance, and changes in industry culture since the Grenfell Tower fire. It also discussed if the BSR framework could be made more proportionate without compromising safety and if the regulator has the necessary skills and resources for timely approvals of projects.

−	Also on 15 July 2025 ~~following its three meetings since June~~, the panel published its guidance entitled [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/building-control-independent-panel-problem-statement/problem-statement-for-the-building-control-independent-panel 'Problem statement for the Building Control Independent Panel']. The problem statement was announced as its "starting position on the problems raised by the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Report"~~, below~~ is a precis of the eight points covered by the statement:	+	Also on 15 July 2025, the panel published its guidance entitled [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/building-control-independent-panel-problem-statement/problem-statement-for-the-building-control-independent-panel 'Problem statement for the Building Control Independent Panel']. The problem statement was announced as its "starting position on the problems raised by the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Report". Below is a precis of the eight points covered by the statement:

	# Grenfell Tower Inquiry – the problems identified: The Inquiry found serious flaws in building control caused by commercial conflicts of interest and a culture of cooperation over enforcement. It questioned whether those with a financial stake should perform regulatory functions and whether a national authority is needed.		# Grenfell Tower Inquiry – the problems identified: The Inquiry found serious flaws in building control caused by commercial conflicts of interest and a culture of cooperation over enforcement. It questioned whether those with a financial stake should perform regulatory functions and whether a national authority is needed.
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	= Call for evidence =		= Call for evidence =

−	The panel is inviting stakeholders to share views to inform future recommendations. The call for evidence follows the Cabinet Office’s Consultation Principles, inviting representative groups to summarise who they represent and who they've consulted. Responses may be published or disclosed under laws such as the Freedom of Information Act, so while confidentiality requests will be considered, they cannot be guaranteed. Personal data will be handled in line with UK data protection legislation, and typically won't be shared with third parties. Individual responses won't be acknowledged unless requested. Feedback on the process is welcome through the official complaints procedure. The questions asked are outlined in full below and [https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/building-control-independent-panel-informing-recommendations-to-government/building-control-independent-panel-informing-recommendations-to-government details of how to respond can be found here]:	+	The panel is inviting stakeholders to share views to inform future recommendations. The questions asked are outlined in full below and [https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/building-control-independent-panel-informing-recommendations-to-government/building-control-independent-panel-informing-recommendations-to-government details of how to respond can be found here]:

	# Do you agree with the BCIP problem statement? Are there other areas of concern that you think we have missed?		# Do you agree with the BCIP problem statement? Are there other areas of concern that you think we have missed?
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	# What are your views on the benefits/risks of the government’s local government reorganisation proposals? Would there be benefits in having fewer shared services operating across a wider area?		# What are your views on the benefits/risks of the government’s local government reorganisation proposals? Would there be benefits in having fewer shared services operating across a wider area?
	# Would enforcement functions be better served by a more centralised system working in partnership with local authorities where action is necessary?		# Would enforcement functions be better served by a more centralised system working in partnership with local authorities where action is necessary?
−
−	~~= Tasks of the panel =~~
−
−	The Building Control Independent Panel is tasked with advising the UK Government on two key questions raised in the Grenfell Inquiry: whether commercial interests should play a role in building control and whether a national authority should oversee all building control functions. The panel will work with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), and other stakeholders to investigate ongoing issues such as conflicts of interest and capacity challenges that may still exist in both private and public sectors. These issues were identified as contributing factors to building control failures before the Grenfell Tower fire.
−
−	Beyond the immediate questions posed by the Inquiry, the panel will explore broader reforms to building control oversight. This includes assessing different models of building control decision-making, examining what level of oversight is appropriate for different types of buildings, and evaluating the adequacy of existing legal powers under the Building Safety Act 2022 and the Building Act 1984. A key focus will be whether customer choice can be retained with improved safeguards, or if stricter oversight is needed across a wider range of buildings. If changes are recommended, the panel will also consider how a transition could be implemented effectively.
−
−	The panel’s work will also support the government’s goal of delivering 1.5 million safe new homes, considering how reforms like a Single Construction Regulator and Chief Construction Adviser could help achieve this. They will examine how these reforms could integrate with existing local authority structures and emerging devolution strategies. Interdependencies with other policy areas will be addressed, including workforce competency, regulatory gaps, digital data use, and potential reforms to technical building regulations and fee structures. The panel will collaborate with officials and stakeholders to identify and analyse these themes as part of forming their recommendations.

	= Related articles on Designing buildings =		= Related articles on Designing buildings =

Editor at 07:19, 3 August 2025

2025-08-03T07:19:16Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:19, 3 August 2025
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	= Related articles on Designing buildings =		= Related articles on Designing buildings =

		+	* Approved documents.
		+	* Approved inspector.
		+	* Building control body.
	* Five members of the independent Building Control review panel appointed.		* Five members of the independent Building Control review panel appointed.
	* Fundamental Review of Building Regulations Guidance.		* Fundamental Review of Building Regulations Guidance.
	* House of Lords Industry and Regulators Committee Inquiry into building safety regulation.		* House of Lords Industry and Regulators Committee Inquiry into building safety regulation.
	* Independent review of the building regulations and fire safety.		* Independent review of the building regulations and fire safety.
		+	* Building control body.
		+	* Building control performance standards.
		+	* Building Regulations Advisory Committee (BRAC).
		+	* Building Safety Act 2022.
	* Building Safety Committee discussion with Dame Judith Hackitt.		* Building Safety Committee discussion with Dame Judith Hackitt.
		+	* Building Safety Wiki.
		+	* Competent person schemes.
		+	* Failure to comply with the building regulations.
		+	* Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022.
		+	* Fundamental Review of Building Regulations Guidance.
		+	* Golden thread
		+	* Grenfell Tower tragedy
		+	* Hackitt review of the building regulations and fire safety, final report.
		+	* Higher risk buildings
		+	* Independent Grenfell Tower Inquiry
		+	* Independent review of the building regulations and fire safety.
		+	* Statutory authorities.
		+	* The Building Act.
		+	* The history of building regulations and control.

−	[[Category:~~Articles_needing_more_work~~]] [[Category:Building_safety]]	+	[[Category:DCN_Commentary]] [[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_News]] [[Category:DCN_Organisation]] [[Category:DCN_Policy]] [[Category:DCN_Regulation]] [[Category:DCN_Standard]] [[Category:Definitions]] [[Category:News]] [[Category:Organisations]] [[Category:Publications_/_reports]] [[Category:Research_/_Innovation]] [[Category:Regulations]] [[Category:Standards_/_measurements]] [[Category:Public_procedures]] [[Category:Roles_/_services]] [[Category:Building_safety]]

Editor at 07:13, 3 August 2025

2025-08-03T07:13:34Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:13, 3 August 2025
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	On 26 February 2025 as part of the Government's response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry it announced the establishment of the independent panel to review Building Control, something the inquiry had recommended, in relation to considering whether to remove commercial interests from building control and to move to a national authority decision model.		On 26 February 2025 as part of the Government's response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry it announced the establishment of the independent panel to review Building Control, something the inquiry had recommended, in relation to considering whether to remove commercial interests from building control and to move to a national authority decision model.

−	On 24 April 2025, On 24 April, 2025 the government announced the ~~Five~~ members of the independent Building Control review panel appointed, chaired by Dame Judith Hackitt, and joined by Elaine Bailey, Ken Rivers, Rt Hon Nick Raynsford and Dr David Snowball.	+	On 24 April 2025, On 24 April, 2025 the government announced the five members of the independent Building Control review panel appointed, chaired by Dame Judith Hackitt, and joined by Elaine Bailey, Ken Rivers, Rt Hon Nick Raynsford and Dr David Snowball.

	On 18 June 2025, the Industry and Regulators Committee which was created to consider matters relating to industry, the Government industrial growth, skills, competitiveness, and the work of UK regulators announced its second inquiry 'an inquiry into building safety regulation,'with a particular focus on the work of the Building Safety Regulator' (BSR).		On 18 June 2025, the Industry and Regulators Committee which was created to consider matters relating to industry, the Government industrial growth, skills, competitiveness, and the work of UK regulators announced its second inquiry 'an inquiry into building safety regulation,'with a particular focus on the work of the Building Safety Regulator' (BSR).

Editor at 07:13, 3 August 2025

2025-08-03T07:13:08Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:13, 3 August 2025
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−	[[File:~~Building Control Panel banner 1000~~.jpg]]	+	[[File:Building_Control_Panel_banner_1000.jpg\|link=File:Building_Control_Panel_banner_1000.jpg]]

	= Background =		= Background =
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	On 26 February 2025 as part of the Government's response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry it announced the establishment of the independent panel to review Building Control, something the inquiry had recommended, in relation to considering whether to remove commercial interests from building control and to move to a national authority decision model.		On 26 February 2025 as part of the Government's response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry it announced the establishment of the independent panel to review Building Control, something the inquiry had recommended, in relation to considering whether to remove commercial interests from building control and to move to a national authority decision model.

−	On 24 April 2025, On 24 April, 2025 the government announced the ~~five~~ members to the Building Control ~~Independent Panel~~, chaired by Dame Judith Hackitt, and joined by Elaine Bailey, Ken Rivers, Rt Hon Nick Raynsford and Dr David Snowball.	+	On 24 April 2025, On 24 April, 2025 the government announced the Five members of the independent Building Control review panel appointed, chaired by Dame Judith Hackitt, and joined by Elaine Bailey, Ken Rivers, Rt Hon Nick Raynsford and Dr David Snowball.

	On 18 June 2025, the Industry and Regulators Committee which was created to consider matters relating to industry, the Government industrial growth, skills, competitiveness, and the work of UK regulators announced its second inquiry 'an inquiry into building safety regulation,'with a particular focus on the work of the Building Safety Regulator' (BSR).		On 18 June 2025, the Industry and Regulators Committee which was created to consider matters relating to industry, the Government industrial growth, skills, competitiveness, and the work of UK regulators announced its second inquiry 'an inquiry into building safety regulation,'with a particular focus on the work of the Building Safety Regulator' (BSR).

Editor at 07:12, 3 August 2025

2025-08-03T07:12:04Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:12, 3 August 2025
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		+	[[File:Building Control Panel banner 1000.jpg]]
		+
	= Background =		= Background =

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	On 24 April 2025, On 24 April, 2025 the government announced the five members to the Building Control Independent Panel, chaired by Dame Judith Hackitt, and joined by Elaine Bailey, Ken Rivers, Rt Hon Nick Raynsford and Dr David Snowball.		On 24 April 2025, On 24 April, 2025 the government announced the five members to the Building Control Independent Panel, chaired by Dame Judith Hackitt, and joined by Elaine Bailey, Ken Rivers, Rt Hon Nick Raynsford and Dr David Snowball.

−	On 18 June 2025, the Industry and Regulators Committee which was created to consider matters relating to industry, the Government industrial growth, skills, competitiveness, and the work of UK regulators announced its second inquiry 'an inquiry into building safety regulation'with a particular focus on the work of the Building Safety Regulator' (BSR).	+	On 18 June 2025, the Industry and Regulators Committee which was created to consider matters relating to industry, the Government industrial growth, skills, competitiveness, and the work of UK regulators announced its second inquiry 'an inquiry into building safety regulation,'with a particular focus on the work of the Building Safety Regulator' (BSR).

	= Problem statement =		= Problem statement =

Editor at 08:12, 2 August 2025

2025-08-02T08:12:54Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:12, 2 August 2025
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	* Building Safety Committee discussion with Dame Judith Hackitt.		* Building Safety Committee discussion with Dame Judith Hackitt.

−	[[Category:Articles_needing_more_work]]	+	[[Category:Articles_needing_more_work]] [[Category:Building_safety]]

Editor at 15:44, 1 August 2025

2025-08-01T15:44:31Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:44, 1 August 2025
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	= Call for evidence =		= Call for evidence =

−	The panel is inviting stakeholders to share views to inform future recommendations. The call for evidence follows the Cabinet Office’s Consultation Principles, inviting representative groups to summarise who they represent and who they've consulted. Responses may be published or disclosed under laws such as the Freedom of Information Act, so while confidentiality requests will be considered, they cannot be guaranteed. Personal data will be handled in line with UK data protection legislation, and typically won't be shared with third parties. Individual responses won't be acknowledged unless requested. Feedback on the process is welcome through the official complaints procedure. The questions asked are outlined in full below:	+	The panel is inviting stakeholders to share views to inform future recommendations. The call for evidence follows the Cabinet Office’s Consultation Principles, inviting representative groups to summarise who they represent and who they've consulted. Responses may be published or disclosed under laws such as the Freedom of Information Act, so while confidentiality requests will be considered, they cannot be guaranteed. Personal data will be handled in line with UK data protection legislation, and typically won't be shared with third parties. Individual responses won't be acknowledged unless requested. Feedback on the process is welcome through the official complaints procedure. The questions asked are outlined in full below and [https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/building-control-independent-panel-informing-recommendations-to-government/building-control-independent-panel-informing-recommendations-to-government details of how to respond can be found here]:

	# Do you agree with the BCIP problem statement? Are there other areas of concern that you think we have missed?		# Do you agree with the BCIP problem statement? Are there other areas of concern that you think we have missed?

Editor at 15:42, 1 August 2025

2025-08-01T15:42:54Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:42, 1 August 2025
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	Also on 15 July 2025 following its three meetings since June, the panel published its guidance entitled [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/building-control-independent-panel-problem-statement/problem-statement-for-the-building-control-independent-panel 'Problem statement for the Building Control Independent Panel']. The problem statement was announced as its "starting position on the problems raised by the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Report", below is a precis of the eight points covered by the statement:		Also on 15 July 2025 following its three meetings since June, the panel published its guidance entitled [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/building-control-independent-panel-problem-statement/problem-statement-for-the-building-control-independent-panel 'Problem statement for the Building Control Independent Panel']. The problem statement was announced as its "starting position on the problems raised by the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Report", below is a precis of the eight points covered by the statement:

−	~~== 1.~~ Grenfell Tower Inquiry – the problems identified ==	+	# Grenfell Tower Inquiry – the problems identified: The Inquiry found serious flaws in building control caused by commercial conflicts of interest and a culture of cooperation over enforcement. It questioned whether those with a financial stake should perform regulatory functions and whether a national authority is needed.
		+	# The panel’s initial response to the Inquiry findings: The panel agrees that safety was compromised by systemic issues and is now reviewing whether those problems still persist despite recent Building Safety Act reforms.
		+	# Their approach to taking forward the work: Rather than assuming change is necessary, the panel will collect evidence to assess whether further reform is needed and how to implement it effectively.
		+	# The commercial model: While clients can choose between public and private building control providers, the system may still incentivise minimal oversight; the panel will examine whether it supports public safety or continues to pose risks.
		+	# Local authority capacity and workforce: Local authorities face staffing shortages, pay disparities, and limited resources, reducing their ability to enforce standards and raising concerns about long-term building safety.
		+	# Inspection and supervision: Inspections have often been undermined by cost pressures and competition; the panel will assess whether this continues and identify best practices for robust oversight.
		+	# Enforcement through better product testing: The Inquiry criticised weak product scrutiny; the panel will support ongoing reforms to ensure better testing, accountability, and use of regulatory powers.
		+	# Next steps: A call for evidence will soon be issued, and the panel aims to publish its final recommendations by the end of the year after engaging with key stakeholders.

−	The Grenfell Tower Inquiry revealed deep-rooted issues in England’s building control system, largely driven by conflicts of interest. Building control was often treated more as an advisory service than a regulatory one, with both public and private inspectors prioritising cooperation over enforcement. The Inquiry highlighted how commercial pressures—especially for Approved Inspectors—undermined impartiality and public safety. It also pointed to capacity failings within local authorities like the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC), where insufficient scrutiny allowed combustible materials to be used. These failings were found nationwide, prompting broader reforms. The Inquiry ultimately questioned whether those with commercial interests should perform building control and whether a single national authority might better protect the public.	+	= Call for evidence =

−	~~== 2~~. The ~~panel’s initial response~~ to the ~~Inquiry findings ==~~	+	The panel is inviting stakeholders to share views to inform future recommendations. The call for evidence follows the Cabinet Office’s Consultation Principles, inviting representative groups to summarise who they represent and who they've consulted. Responses may be published or disclosed under laws such as the Freedom of Information Act, so while confidentiality requests will be considered, they cannot be guaranteed. Personal data will be handled in line with UK data protection legislation, and typically won't be shared with third parties. Individual responses won't be acknowledged unless requested. Feedback on the process is welcome through the official complaints procedure. The questions asked are outlined in full below:

−	~~The panel recognises that~~ the ~~identified problems were systemic~~ and ~~not isolated~~, ~~with commercial interests often taking precedence over safety. Failures in recognising and challenging unsafe cladding contributed~~ to ~~widespread building risks. While significant reforms have followed, such as~~ the ~~Building Safety Act 2022~~ and the ~~new~~ Building Safety ~~Regulator, the panel’s role is to assess whether the same problems persist~~ and ~~if further changes are needed~~ to ~~ensure robust oversight~~ and ~~accountability across all sectors.~~	+	# Do you agree with the BCIP problem statement? Are there other areas of concern that you think we have missed?
−		+	# Do you agree that Building Control (BC) should retain a balance between advice and enforcement and if so, how should this be achieved? Should enforcement powers be extended to the private sector?
−	~~== 3. Our approach~~ to ~~taking forward the work ==~~	+	# Are you supportive of the changes which have already been made in bringing BC(public and private) under the Building Safety Regulator’s (BSR) control and oversight? What more could be done to monitor performance of BC and build public trust?
−		+	# How should resources be deployed most effectively to minimise conflict of interest and to ensure appropriate levels of oversight of building works?
−	~~The panel appreciates that the Inquiry posed open-ended questions rather than fixed recommendations. This allows for a broader, evidence-based exploration~~ of ~~whether further changes are required~~ and ~~how best to implement them. In reviewing both the current system and its alternatives, the panel aims~~ to ensure a ~~strong regulatory framework that supports both public safety~~ and ~~professional integrity~~, ~~while evaluating how recent reforms are functioning in practice.~~	+	# Should there be a minimum number of inspections prescribed for different types of buildings and if so, at what stages should these take place?
−		+	# How can we ensure that BC is managed consistently with timely interventions, proportionate approaches and risk-based targeting?
−	~~== 4. The commercial model ==~~	+	# How can we best monitor and measure performance of all BC activities?
−		+	# What are the key minimum skill sets required in any Building Control Body (BCB)?
−	~~England’s building control system includes both public and private providers~~, ~~offering clients a choice. However, local authorities face more regulatory burdens~~ and ~~are restricted in charging for some statutory functions, making competition unequal. Although higher-~~risk ~~buildings now fall under non~~-~~commercial oversight, many other projects still involve commercial providers. The panel will explore whether the system encourages enforcement~~ and ~~independence or still fosters~~ the ~~conflicts criticised~~ in ~~the Inquiry.~~	+	# What action should be taken against BCBs who are found to be failing in delivering their functions? Where it is necessary to do so where and how should caseloads be transferred?
−		+	# Is there effective oversight and enforcement of the Competent Person Scheme (CPS) self-certification schemes? What changes would improve compliance and enforcement?
−	~~== 5. Local authority capacity and workforce ==~~	+	# Where BC is linked to the provision of warranties does this lead to better standards of building work and if not, why?
−		+	# Are you aware of particular examples of good practice internationally that you would recommend we look at?
−	~~The panel is concerned about a nationwide shortage of qualified building control professionals, especially in local authorities. Recruitment and retention challenges~~ are ~~impacting enforcement, with most authorities limited~~ to ~~giving informal advice. Local authorities are also financially constrained, often unable to offer competitive salaries or reinvest income from building control into~~ their ~~teams. The panel believes addressing these structural issues~~ is ~~crucial for maintaining public confidence in building safety.~~	+	# How do we improve effectiveness and efficiency whilst delivering better standards of BC?
−		+	# How can the system develop to deliver increases in competence and skills?
−	~~== 6. Inspection~~ and ~~supervision ==~~	+	# What are your views on the benefits/risks of the government’s local government reorganisation proposals? Would there be benefits in having fewer shared services operating across a wider area?
−		+	# Would enforcement functions be better served by a more centralised system working in partnership with local authorities where action is necessary?
−	~~Historically, cost~~-~~driven competition led some developers to choose the cheapest~~ and ~~fastest route~~ to ~~approval, often at~~ the ~~expense~~ of ~~rigorous inspections. The panel aims~~ to ~~assess whether this behaviour persists. They will examine whether inspections are happening frequently~~ and ~~effectively~~, ~~and whether current models incentivise thorough oversight or minimal service. Good practices will also be gathered to help inform improvements across the sector.~~	+
−		+
−	~~== 7. Enforcement through~~ better ~~product testing ==~~	+
−		+
−	~~The Inquiry found that regulators too often accepted questionable product test results, which contributed~~ to unsafe materials like combustible cladding being widely used. Local authorities did not consistently exercise their powers to challenge products or demand better evidence. The panel will align its work with ongoing reforms in ~~product safety~~ and ~~testing, aiming to ensure that enforcement mechanisms~~ are ~~robust and effectively used~~ in ~~future.~~	+
−		+
−	~~== 8. Next steps ==~~	+
−		+
−	~~A public call for evidence is to~~ be ~~launched to gather input from stakeholders. The panel will work closely~~ with ~~MHCLG, the Regulator, and other partners to test early findings. Assuming the problem diagnosis~~ is ~~widely supported, the panel will focus on actionable reforms and aims to publish its final review by the end of the year.~~	+
−		+
−	~~= Call for evidence =~~	+

	= Tasks of the panel =		= Tasks of the panel =

Editor at 15:28, 1 August 2025

2025-08-01T15:28:55Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:28, 1 August 2025
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	A discussion with Dame Judith Hackitt chair of the BCIP on 15 July, 2025 exploring whether the BSR has improved high-rise safety, its impact on new housing delivery and maintenance, and changes in industry culture since the Grenfell Tower fire. It also discussed if the BSR framework could be made more proportionate without compromising safety and if the regulator has the necessary skills and resources for timely approvals of projects.		A discussion with Dame Judith Hackitt chair of the BCIP on 15 July, 2025 exploring whether the BSR has improved high-rise safety, its impact on new housing delivery and maintenance, and changes in industry culture since the Grenfell Tower fire. It also discussed if the BSR framework could be made more proportionate without compromising safety and if the regulator has the necessary skills and resources for timely approvals of projects.

−	Also on 15 July 2025 following its three meetings since June, the panel published its guidance entitled [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/building-control-independent-panel-problem-statement/problem-statement-for-the-building-control-independent-panel 'Problem statement for the Building Control Independent Panel']. The problem statement was announced as its "starting position on the problems raised by the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Report"	+	Also on 15 July 2025 following its three meetings since June, the panel published its guidance entitled [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/building-control-independent-panel-problem-statement/problem-statement-for-the-building-control-independent-panel 'Problem statement for the Building Control Independent Panel']. The problem statement was announced as its "starting position on the problems raised by the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Report", below is a precis of the eight points covered by the statement:
		+
		+	== 1. Grenfell Tower Inquiry – the problems identified ==
		+
		+	The Grenfell Tower Inquiry revealed deep-rooted issues in England’s building control system, largely driven by conflicts of interest. Building control was often treated more as an advisory service than a regulatory one, with both public and private inspectors prioritising cooperation over enforcement. The Inquiry highlighted how commercial pressures—especially for Approved Inspectors—undermined impartiality and public safety. It also pointed to capacity failings within local authorities like the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC), where insufficient scrutiny allowed combustible materials to be used. These failings were found nationwide, prompting broader reforms. The Inquiry ultimately questioned whether those with commercial interests should perform building control and whether a single national authority might better protect the public.
		+
		+	== 2. The panel’s initial response to the Inquiry findings ==
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		+	The panel recognises that the identified problems were systemic and not isolated, with commercial interests often taking precedence over safety. Failures in recognising and challenging unsafe cladding contributed to widespread building risks. While significant reforms have followed, such as the Building Safety Act 2022 and the new Building Safety Regulator, the panel’s role is to assess whether the same problems persist and if further changes are needed to ensure robust oversight and accountability across all sectors.
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		+	== 3. Our approach to taking forward the work ==
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		+	The panel appreciates that the Inquiry posed open-ended questions rather than fixed recommendations. This allows for a broader, evidence-based exploration of whether further changes are required and how best to implement them. In reviewing both the current system and its alternatives, the panel aims to ensure a strong regulatory framework that supports both public safety and professional integrity, while evaluating how recent reforms are functioning in practice.
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		+	== 4. The commercial model ==
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		+	England’s building control system includes both public and private providers, offering clients a choice. However, local authorities face more regulatory burdens and are restricted in charging for some statutory functions, making competition unequal. Although higher-risk buildings now fall under non-commercial oversight, many other projects still involve commercial providers. The panel will explore whether the system encourages enforcement and independence or still fosters the conflicts criticised in the Inquiry.
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		+	== 5. Local authority capacity and workforce ==
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		+	The panel is concerned about a nationwide shortage of qualified building control professionals, especially in local authorities. Recruitment and retention challenges are impacting enforcement, with most authorities limited to giving informal advice. Local authorities are also financially constrained, often unable to offer competitive salaries or reinvest income from building control into their teams. The panel believes addressing these structural issues is crucial for maintaining public confidence in building safety.
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		+	== 6. Inspection and supervision ==
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		+	Historically, cost-driven competition led some developers to choose the cheapest and fastest route to approval, often at the expense of rigorous inspections. The panel aims to assess whether this behaviour persists. They will examine whether inspections are happening frequently and effectively, and whether current models incentivise thorough oversight or minimal service. Good practices will also be gathered to help inform improvements across the sector.
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		+	== 7. Enforcement through better product testing ==
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		+	The Inquiry found that regulators too often accepted questionable product test results, which contributed to unsafe materials like combustible cladding being widely used. Local authorities did not consistently exercise their powers to challenge products or demand better evidence. The panel will align its work with ongoing reforms in product safety and testing, aiming to ensure that enforcement mechanisms are robust and effectively used in future.
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		+	== 8. Next steps ==
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		+	A public call for evidence is to be launched to gather input from stakeholders. The panel will work closely with MHCLG, the Regulator, and other partners to test early findings. Assuming the problem diagnosis is widely supported, the panel will focus on actionable reforms and aims to publish its final review by the end of the year.

	= Call for evidence =		= Call for evidence =