Building Safety wiki recaps for 2025 - Revision history

Editor at 11:27, 26 January 2026

2026-01-26T11:27:11Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:27, 26 January 2026
Line 1:		Line 1:
−	[[File:~~Building Safety Wiki Recap 2025 1000~~.jpg]]	+	[[File:Building_Safety_Wiki_Recap_2025_1000.jpg\|link=File:Building_Safety_Wiki_Recap_2025_1000.jpg]]

	= In brief =		= In brief =
Line 13:		Line 13:
	= Quarter 1 =		= Quarter 1 =

−	January 2025 saw continued government focus on monitoring and progressing post-Grenfell remediation and regulatory reform. The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (as it then was) published its monthly building safety remediation data, tracking progress on unsafe cladding removal through the Building Safety Fund and the Cladding Safety Scheme. Cross-government coordination also remained active, with meetings of the Building and Fire Safety Ministerial Working Group considering implementation planning ahead of the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 findings, including issues around oversight, accountability, and consistency of fire and building safety regulation across the UK.	+	January 2025 saw continued government focus on monitoring and progressing post-Grenfell remediation and regulatory reform. The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (as it then was) published its monthly building safety remediation data, tracking progress on unsafe cladding removal through the Building Safety Fund and the Cladding Safety Scheme. Cross-government coordination also remained active, with meetings of the Building and Fire Safety Ministerial Working Group considering implementation planning ahead of the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 findings, including issues around oversight, accountability, and consistency of fire and building safety regulation across the UK. It was also announced in January 2025 that a consortium headed up by Tata Steel, Saint-Gobain and Kingspan (two of the manufacturers named in the February Grenfell Inquiry final report, announced that they were developing a product information hub that could address the Grenfell Inquiry’s call for a construction data library and were in "discussions with an un-named government department to secure funding to develop an MVP (Minimum Viable Product)"

−	February 2025 was dominated by the publication of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 final report and the government’s initial response. Ministers signalled acceptance of the inquiry’s recommendations in principle and committed to wide-ranging reform, including stronger regulation of the construction sector, enhanced fire safety oversight, and action against firms and individuals implicated in systemic failings. During the month, the government also confirmed additional funding for the Building Safety Regulator to help address backlogs in higher-risk building applications and improve regulatory capacity, reflecting growing concern about delays to new-build and remediation approvals under the Building Safety Act regime.	+	February 2025 was dominated by the publication of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 final report and the government’s initial response. Ministers signalled acceptance of the inquiry’s recommendations in principle and committed to wide-ranging reform, including stronger regulation of the construction sector, enhanced fire safety oversight, and action against firms and individuals implicated in systemic failings. During the month, the government also confirmed additional funding for the Building Safety Regulator to help address backlogs in higher-risk building applications and improve regulatory capacity, reflecting growing concern about delays to new-build and remediation approvals under the Building Safety Act regime. Importantly the "Construction Products Reform Green Paper " open consultation was published. Aiming to outline the current situation, the reforms taken, the remaining challenges, and the proposed changes to improve safety, promote economic growth, and support the construction of high-quality homes. Amongst other things it proposed aligning UK regulations with EU standards to reduce trade friction and ensure a competitive marketplace.

	March 2025 brought a series of technical and policy developments as the focus shifted toward implementation. Updated guidance was published for the design and construction of higher-risk buildings, supporting duty holders and applicants navigating Building Control Approval processes. The government also issued corrections and clarifications to Approved Document B, aiming to improve consistency in fire safety interpretation, and published its response to the technical consultation on the Building Safety Levy, setting out how the levy would operate in practice ahead of future regulations. Together, these steps marked a move from inquiry and review toward embedding the next phase of the post-Grenfell building safety framework.		March 2025 brought a series of technical and policy developments as the focus shifted toward implementation. Updated guidance was published for the design and construction of higher-risk buildings, supporting duty holders and applicants navigating Building Control Approval processes. The government also issued corrections and clarifications to Approved Document B, aiming to improve consistency in fire safety interpretation, and published its response to the technical consultation on the Building Safety Levy, setting out how the levy would operate in practice ahead of future regulations. Together, these steps marked a move from inquiry and review toward embedding the next phase of the post-Grenfell building safety framework.
Line 21:		Line 21:
	= Quarter 2 =		= Quarter 2 =

−	April 2025 saw the continuation of detailed government monitoring of building safety remediation. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) published the April Building Safety Remediation data release, showing updates on unsafe cladding remediation progress across various programmes (including the Building Safety Fund and Cladding Safety Scheme) and enforcement actions under the Housing Act 2004, with thousands of buildings tracked for remediation status and works underway. ~~GOV.UK~~ Additionally, industry and professional groups held discussions on implementing the new building control regime and Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 work, such as the CTBUH UK Chapter’s April event on building safety challenges that explored practical and regulatory issues facing the construction sector under the Building Safety Act regime.	+	April 2025 saw the continuation of detailed government monitoring of building safety remediation. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) published the April Building Safety Remediation data release, showing updates on unsafe cladding remediation progress across various programmes (including the Building Safety Fund and Cladding Safety Scheme) and enforcement actions under the Housing Act 2004, with thousands of buildings tracked for remediation status and works underway. Additionally, industry and professional groups held discussions on implementing the new building control regime and Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 work, such as the CTBUH UK Chapter’s April event on building safety challenges that explored practical and regulatory issues facing the construction sector under the Building Safety Act regime.

−	May 2025 brought further data transparency and reporting on remediation progress. The May 2025 Building Safety Remediation data release documented continued progress (and some increases in buildings identified with unsafe cladding) across high-rise remediation programmes, including developer-led works and social housing providers’ remediation efforts, maintaining a monthly picture of progress and gaps. ~~GOV.UK~~ In the broader policy context, statistical releases on housing supply for April–June 2025 incorporated building regulatory standard changes as part of measuring new supply, highlighting how safety regimes interact with broader housing delivery indicators (though not strictly safety policy itself).	+	May 2025 brought further data transparency and reporting on remediation progress. The May 2025 Building Safety Remediation data release documented continued progress (and some increases in buildings identified with unsafe cladding) across high-rise remediation programmes, including developer-led works and social housing providers’ remediation efforts, maintaining a monthly picture of progress and gaps. In the broader policy context, statistical releases on housing supply for April–June 2025 incorporated building regulatory standard changes as part of measuring new supply, highlighting how safety regimes interact with broader housing delivery indicators (though not strictly safety policy itself).

−	June 2025 featured the first government progress report on the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 recommendations, published in late May and documented throughout June, showing that nearly all recommendations were accepted and were “in progress,” including actions on regulatory reform, fire services oversight consolidation, and ongoing implementation timelines. International Fire & Safety ~~Journal+1~~ In June, MHCLG also announced reforms to the Building Safety Regulator aimed at improving efficiency and laying foundations toward the Grenfell recommendation of a single construction regulator, with changes intended to reduce delays in approvals and strengthen governance. ~~GOV.UK~~ The June 2025 Building Safety Remediation data release expanded the monthly reporting content to include estimates of residential buildings with unsafe cladding requiring work, further enriching the government’s public dashboard on remediation status. This whole period was characterised by ongoing detailed public reporting on remediation progress, government momentum on implementing Phase 2 Grenfell Inquiry recommendations, and early regulatory reform actions to address building safety oversight and enforcement, laying groundwork for further legislative and regulatory activity later in 2025.	+	June 2025 featured the first government progress report on the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 recommendations, published in late May and documented throughout June, showing that nearly all recommendations were accepted and were “in progress,” including actions on regulatory reform, fire services oversight consolidation, and ongoing implementation timelines. International Fire & Safety In June, MHCLG also announced reforms to the Building Safety Regulator aimed at improving efficiency and laying foundations toward the Grenfell recommendation of a single construction regulator, with changes intended to reduce delays in approvals and strengthen governance. The June 2025 Building Safety Remediation data release expanded the monthly reporting content to include estimates of residential buildings with unsafe cladding requiring work, further enriching the government’s public dashboard on remediation status. This whole period was characterised by ongoing detailed public reporting on remediation progress, government momentum on implementing Phase 2 Grenfell Inquiry recommendations, and early regulatory reform actions to address building safety oversight and enforcement, laying groundwork for further legislative and regulatory activity later in 2025. Also in June it was reported that "[https://www.themih.org/news/manufacturers-launch-information-hub-with-government-support Manufacturers launch information hub with Government Support]" with support from "over 30 manufacturers on board, together with support from Construction Products Europe and five national construction products associations including the CPA in the UK".

	= Quarter 3 =		= Quarter 3 =

−	July 2025 marked a major period of structural and regulatory change in building safety across the UK. The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) formally transferred from the HSE to MHCLG, implementing a key Grenfell Inquiry recommendation, while building safety requirements became mandatory within the Common Assessment Standard. Legislative progress continued in the devolved nations, with Wales introducing its Building Safety Bill and Scotland advancing its Building Safety Levy. Guidance was clarified on roof terraces in high-risk buildings, CROSS-UK was confirmed as the official voluntary reporting system, and updated Building Safety Levy guidance was issued. Alongside this, scrutiny of regulation intensified through House of Lords inquiries, new expert panels on building control and regulations, and expanded government remediation plans, ~~though~~ Grenfell-related debarment proceedings ~~were~~ delayed due to ongoing criminal cases.	+	July 2025 marked a major period of structural and regulatory change in building safety across the UK. The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) formally transferred from the HSE to MHCLG, implementing a key Grenfell Inquiry recommendation, while building safety requirements became mandatory within the Common Assessment Standard. Legislative progress continued in the devolved nations, with Wales introducing its Building Safety Bill and Scotland advancing its Building Safety Levy. Guidance was clarified on roof terraces in high-risk buildings, CROSS-UK was confirmed as the official voluntary reporting system, and updated Building Safety Levy guidance was issued. Alongside this, scrutiny of regulation intensified through House of Lords inquiries, new expert panels on building control and regulations, and expanded government remediation plans, with Grenfell-related debarment proceedings delayed due to ongoing criminal cases.

	August 2025 focused on accountability, competence, and improving regulatory clarity. The government advanced its Fundamental Review of Building Regulations Guidance, aiming to overhaul Approved Documents by 2026, while the Court of Appeal confirmed retrospective leaseholder protections under the Building Safety Act 2022. Progress continued across the UK on cladding remediation, supported by new guidance, settlements, and skills initiatives to address workforce gaps. Industry bodies launched new tools, guidance, and training to raise standards in product safety, fire doors, façades, and building control readiness, while the BSR increased engagement with applicants to improve application quality and reduce delays. New research also informed future fire safety strategies, particularly around evacuation systems in high-rise buildings.		August 2025 focused on accountability, competence, and improving regulatory clarity. The government advanced its Fundamental Review of Building Regulations Guidance, aiming to overhaul Approved Documents by 2026, while the Court of Appeal confirmed retrospective leaseholder protections under the Building Safety Act 2022. Progress continued across the UK on cladding remediation, supported by new guidance, settlements, and skills initiatives to address workforce gaps. Industry bodies launched new tools, guidance, and training to raise standards in product safety, fire doors, façades, and building control readiness, while the BSR increased engagement with applicants to improve application quality and reduce delays. New research also informed future fire safety strategies, particularly around evacuation systems in high-rise buildings.

Editor at 15:28, 30 December 2025

2025-12-30T15:28:24Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:28, 30 December 2025
Line 1:		Line 1:
		+	[[File:Building Safety Wiki Recap 2025 1000.jpg]]
		+
	= In brief =		= In brief =

Editor at 15:20, 30 December 2025

2025-12-30T15:20:45Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:20, 30 December 2025
Line 1:		Line 1:
	= In brief =		= In brief =

−	2025 marked eight years since the tragedy of Grenfell, and was perhaps considered the year where the transition from the inquiry to the delivery of change became most pressing, following publication of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report findings in 4 September, 2024 and UK government's formal response to these being published on 26 February, 2025. An acceptance of the recommendations in principle and a ~~committment~~ to systemic reform, shifted the focus towards stronger regulation, with clearer accountability, and significant change of culture across the entire construction sector.	+	2025 marked eight years since the tragedy of Grenfell, and was perhaps considered the year where the transition from the inquiry to the delivery of change became most pressing, following publication of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report findings in 4 September, 2024 and UK government's formal response to these being published on 26 February, 2025. An acceptance of the recommendations in principle and a commitment to systemic reform, shifted the focus towards stronger regulation, with clearer accountability, and significant change of culture across the entire construction sector.

	This was supported by expanded transparency on unsafe cladding remediation through regular data releases, updated guidance for higher-risk buildings, clarifications to fire safety requirements, and progress toward implementing the Building Safety Levy. Together, these measures marked a decisive move away from policy review and toward embedding the post-Grenfell safety framework in practice.		This was supported by expanded transparency on unsafe cladding remediation through regular data releases, updated guidance for higher-risk buildings, clarifications to fire safety requirements, and progress toward implementing the Building Safety Levy. Together, these measures marked a decisive move away from policy review and toward embedding the post-Grenfell safety framework in practice.

	The reform and strengthening of the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) was the other defining theme of the year. Additional funding, procedural reforms, and the creation of the Innovation Unit sought to address approval delays, while Gateway processes were refined to improve consistency and efficiency. The most significant structural change came in July, when the BSR transferred from the HSE to MHCLG, implementing a core Grenfell recommendation and laying the groundwork for an independent, construction-focused regulator. Alongside this, legislative progress in Wales and Scotland, increased parliamentary scrutiny, and accelerated remediation and competence initiatives reinforced a clear direction of travel: a more robust, accountable, and safety-led building system across the UK.		The reform and strengthening of the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) was the other defining theme of the year. Additional funding, procedural reforms, and the creation of the Innovation Unit sought to address approval delays, while Gateway processes were refined to improve consistency and efficiency. The most significant structural change came in July, when the BSR transferred from the HSE to MHCLG, implementing a core Grenfell recommendation and laying the groundwork for an independent, construction-focused regulator. Alongside this, legislative progress in Wales and Scotland, increased parliamentary scrutiny, and accelerated remediation and competence initiatives reinforced a clear direction of travel: a more robust, accountable, and safety-led building system across the UK.
		+
		+	The House of Lords Industry and Regulators Committee, final report was critical of BSR, whilst proposals to enshrine PAS 9980 into law, remained contentious. In general building safety reform continued with some criticism and inconsistency, remediation activity increased as regulatory systems try to strengthen clarity such as definitions of higher-risk buildings, and clearer new Gateway guidance. Some results in the improvement processes of the BSR were noted, alongside government proposals for the single construction regulator, as recommended by the Grenfell inquiry. Internationally the stark reminder of the dangers of high rise fires was highlighted by the final death toll of the horrendous Wang Fuk Court fire, which had early climbed and by early December reached the final death toll of 161 people.

	= Quarter 1 =		= Quarter 1 =
Line 13:		Line 15:
	February 2025 was dominated by the publication of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 final report and the government’s initial response. Ministers signalled acceptance of the inquiry’s recommendations in principle and committed to wide-ranging reform, including stronger regulation of the construction sector, enhanced fire safety oversight, and action against firms and individuals implicated in systemic failings. During the month, the government also confirmed additional funding for the Building Safety Regulator to help address backlogs in higher-risk building applications and improve regulatory capacity, reflecting growing concern about delays to new-build and remediation approvals under the Building Safety Act regime.		February 2025 was dominated by the publication of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 final report and the government’s initial response. Ministers signalled acceptance of the inquiry’s recommendations in principle and committed to wide-ranging reform, including stronger regulation of the construction sector, enhanced fire safety oversight, and action against firms and individuals implicated in systemic failings. During the month, the government also confirmed additional funding for the Building Safety Regulator to help address backlogs in higher-risk building applications and improve regulatory capacity, reflecting growing concern about delays to new-build and remediation approvals under the Building Safety Act regime.

−	March 2025 brought a series of technical and policy developments as the focus shifted toward implementation. Updated guidance was published for the design and construction of higher-risk buildings, supporting ~~dutyholders~~ and applicants navigating Building Control Approval processes. The government also issued corrections and clarifications to Approved Document B, aiming to improve consistency in fire safety interpretation, and published its response to the technical consultation on the Building Safety Levy, setting out how the levy would operate in practice ahead of future regulations. Together, these steps marked a move from inquiry and review toward embedding the next phase of the post-Grenfell building safety framework.	+	March 2025 brought a series of technical and policy developments as the focus shifted toward implementation. Updated guidance was published for the design and construction of higher-risk buildings, supporting duty holders and applicants navigating Building Control Approval processes. The government also issued corrections and clarifications to Approved Document B, aiming to improve consistency in fire safety interpretation, and published its response to the technical consultation on the Building Safety Levy, setting out how the levy would operate in practice ahead of future regulations. Together, these steps marked a move from inquiry and review toward embedding the next phase of the post-Grenfell building safety framework.

	= Quarter 2 =		= Quarter 2 =
Line 37:		Line 39:
	November 2025, efforts to improve approval times intensified, with pilots for Gateway 2 batching, new Gateway 3 guidance, and thousands of units processed with Innovation Unit support. Internationally, the catastrophic Wang Fuk Court fire highlighted the risks associated with refurbishment and site practices, reinforcing the urgency of reform. In the UK, BSR approved over 11,000 residential units in November, while draft legislation was laid to establish the regulator as an independent body in line with Grenfell Inquiry recommendations. Alongside this, new competence frameworks, technical guidance, funding routes, and memorial initiatives progressed, reflecting a sector still under intense scrutiny but steadily embedding stronger governance, clearer regulation, and a renewed focus on safety, accountability, and trust.		November 2025, efforts to improve approval times intensified, with pilots for Gateway 2 batching, new Gateway 3 guidance, and thousands of units processed with Innovation Unit support. Internationally, the catastrophic Wang Fuk Court fire highlighted the risks associated with refurbishment and site practices, reinforcing the urgency of reform. In the UK, BSR approved over 11,000 residential units in November, while draft legislation was laid to establish the regulator as an independent body in line with Grenfell Inquiry recommendations. Alongside this, new competence frameworks, technical guidance, funding routes, and memorial initiatives progressed, reflecting a sector still under intense scrutiny but steadily embedding stronger governance, clearer regulation, and a renewed focus on safety, accountability, and trust.

−	[[Category:~~Articles_needing_more_work~~]]	+	December 2025 was marked by the Building Safety Regulator: Building a better regulator 2nd Report of Session 2024–26 published by the House of Lords Industry and Regulators Committee, which scrutinised the history, functions and processes BSR. Internationally a reminder of the dangers of high rise fires was highlighted by the final death toll of the horrendous Wang Fuk Court fire, which had early climbed and by early December reached the final death toll of 161 people. In the UK building safety reform continued with some criticism and inconsistency, remediation activity continued to increase as regulatory systems try to strengthen clarity such as definitions of higher-risk buildings, and clearer new Gateway guidance. Some results in the improvement processes of the BSR was noted, alongside government proposals for the single construction regulator, as recommended by the Grenfell inquiry. Whilst other proposals to enshrine PAS 9980 into law, remained contentious, in particular for its term “tolerable” open interpretation. Some highlighting the risk of allowing combustible materials to remain, potentially undermining safety and inflating insurance costs, despite the government arguing that it provides proportionate, practical clarity to accelerate stalled remediation. The reopening of the original PAS 9980 consultation due to discovery of lost submissions though has not helped confidence in the framework. On the more positive, the announcement of the new Built Environment Competence Hub in 2026 and one Hackney-based co-living scheme of 150 homes, achieving Gateway 2 approval from the BSR in a record breaking time of 13 weeks, only one week longer than the targeted 12 weeks. Highlighting the actuality of the improved BSR processes and some hope of clearing the backlogs.
		+
		+	= Related articles on Designing Buildings =
		+
		+	* Building Safety recap December, 2025
		+	* Building Safety recap November, 2025
		+	* Building Safety recap October, 2025
		+	* Building Safety recap September, 2025
		+	* Building Safety recap August, 2025
		+	* Building Safety recap July, 2025
		+	* Building Safety wiki.
		+
		+	[[Category:DCN_Commentary]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_News]] [[Category:DCN_Organisation]]

Editor at 17:02, 29 December 2025

2025-12-29T17:02:23Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:02, 29 December 2025
Line 33:		Line 33:
	= Quarter 4 =		= Quarter 4 =

−	In October 2025 parliamentary and committee scrutiny of the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) continued ~~and~~, ~~in some areas, concluded, with a strong focus~~ on delays to new-build and remediation approvals affecting around 33,000 homes. ~~While concerns remain, the~~ BSR reported record Gateway 2 applications and highlighted reforms ~~such as~~ the Innovation Unit, which is beginning to streamline processes and reduce rejection times~~. Progress included Gateway 2 approval for~~ the UK’s first volumetric student accommodation ~~scheme~~ in Ealing and advances in social housing competence standards. ~~In London, improved regulatory performance supported joint action by the Housing Secretary~~ and ~~Mayor of London, announcing fast-tracked planning, emergency powers, and a £322 million investment fund to accelerate housebuilding and affordable housing delivery.~~	+	In October 2025, parliamentary and committee scrutiny of the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) continued, focusing on delays to new-build and remediation approvals affecting around 33,000 homes. The BSR reported record Gateway 2 applications and highlighted reforms, including the Innovation Unit, which is beginning to streamline processes and reduce rejection times, with progress seen in projects such as the UK’s first volumetric student accommodation in Ealing and advances in social housing competence standards. Regulatory and remediation developments across the UK included the NFCC’s Remediation Position Statement calling for a coordinated, risk-based approach, expansion of Scotland’s Cladding Remediation Programme, a landmark fire safety prosecution in Birmingham, and MHCLG guidance to accelerate developer-led remediation. Competence, governance, and professional standards also advanced through new training partnerships, updated guidance, and industry initiatives, while high-profile local decisions and Grenfell-related legal settlements highlighted the ongoing complexity of legacy safety issues.Grenfell-related projects underscored the ongoing complexity and sensitivity of legacy safety issues.
−		+
−	~~Regulatory,~~ remediation~~, and professional standards~~ developments ~~continued~~ across the UK~~. The NFCC published its~~ Remediation Position Statement~~, warning that enforcement alone cannot resolve systemic safety issues and~~ calling for a ~~nationally~~ coordinated, risk-based approach, ~~alongside workforce development and regulatory reform.~~ Scotland’s Cladding Remediation Programme ~~expanded~~, ~~Birmingham City Council secured~~ a landmark fire safety prosecution, and MHCLG ~~issued~~ guidance to ~~speed up~~ developer-led remediation. ~~Debate on competence~~ and ~~governance continued~~ through new training partnerships, ~~industry manifestos, and~~ updated guidance ~~on construction product information~~, while high-profile local decisions and legal settlements ~~linked to~~ Grenfell-related projects underscored the ongoing complexity and sensitivity of legacy safety issues.	+

	November 2025, efforts to improve approval times intensified, with pilots for Gateway 2 batching, new Gateway 3 guidance, and thousands of units processed with Innovation Unit support. Internationally, the catastrophic Wang Fuk Court fire highlighted the risks associated with refurbishment and site practices, reinforcing the urgency of reform. In the UK, BSR approved over 11,000 residential units in November, while draft legislation was laid to establish the regulator as an independent body in line with Grenfell Inquiry recommendations. Alongside this, new competence frameworks, technical guidance, funding routes, and memorial initiatives progressed, reflecting a sector still under intense scrutiny but steadily embedding stronger governance, clearer regulation, and a renewed focus on safety, accountability, and trust.		November 2025, efforts to improve approval times intensified, with pilots for Gateway 2 batching, new Gateway 3 guidance, and thousands of units processed with Innovation Unit support. Internationally, the catastrophic Wang Fuk Court fire highlighted the risks associated with refurbishment and site practices, reinforcing the urgency of reform. In the UK, BSR approved over 11,000 residential units in November, while draft legislation was laid to establish the regulator as an independent body in line with Grenfell Inquiry recommendations. Alongside this, new competence frameworks, technical guidance, funding routes, and memorial initiatives progressed, reflecting a sector still under intense scrutiny but steadily embedding stronger governance, clearer regulation, and a renewed focus on safety, accountability, and trust.

	[[Category:Articles_needing_more_work]]		[[Category:Articles_needing_more_work]]

Editor at 15:29, 16 December 2025

2025-12-16T15:29:42Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:29, 16 December 2025
Line 1:		Line 1:
		+	= In brief =
		+
		+	2025 marked eight years since the tragedy of Grenfell, and was perhaps considered the year where the transition from the inquiry to the delivery of change became most pressing, following publication of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report findings in 4 September, 2024 and UK government's formal response to these being published on 26 February, 2025. An acceptance of the recommendations in principle and a committment to systemic reform, shifted the focus towards stronger regulation, with clearer accountability, and significant change of culture across the entire construction sector.
		+
		+	This was supported by expanded transparency on unsafe cladding remediation through regular data releases, updated guidance for higher-risk buildings, clarifications to fire safety requirements, and progress toward implementing the Building Safety Levy. Together, these measures marked a decisive move away from policy review and toward embedding the post-Grenfell safety framework in practice.
		+
		+	The reform and strengthening of the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) was the other defining theme of the year. Additional funding, procedural reforms, and the creation of the Innovation Unit sought to address approval delays, while Gateway processes were refined to improve consistency and efficiency. The most significant structural change came in July, when the BSR transferred from the HSE to MHCLG, implementing a core Grenfell recommendation and laying the groundwork for an independent, construction-focused regulator. Alongside this, legislative progress in Wales and Scotland, increased parliamentary scrutiny, and accelerated remediation and competence initiatives reinforced a clear direction of travel: a more robust, accountable, and safety-led building system across the UK.
		+
	= Quarter 1 =		= Quarter 1 =

Editor at 15:17, 16 December 2025

2025-12-16T15:17:35Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:17, 16 December 2025
Line 1:		Line 1:
	= Quarter 1 =		= Quarter 1 =

−	~~= =~~	+	January 2025 saw continued government focus on monitoring and progressing post-Grenfell remediation and regulatory reform. The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (as it then was) published its monthly building safety remediation data, tracking progress on unsafe cladding removal through the Building Safety Fund and the Cladding Safety Scheme. Cross-government coordination also remained active, with meetings of the Building and Fire Safety Ministerial Working Group considering implementation planning ahead of the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 findings, including issues around oversight, accountability, and consistency of fire and building safety regulation across the UK.
		+
		+	February 2025 was dominated by the publication of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 final report and the government’s initial response. Ministers signalled acceptance of the inquiry’s recommendations in principle and committed to wide-ranging reform, including stronger regulation of the construction sector, enhanced fire safety oversight, and action against firms and individuals implicated in systemic failings. During the month, the government also confirmed additional funding for the Building Safety Regulator to help address backlogs in higher-risk building applications and improve regulatory capacity, reflecting growing concern about delays to new-build and remediation approvals under the Building Safety Act regime.
		+
		+	March 2025 brought a series of technical and policy developments as the focus shifted toward implementation. Updated guidance was published for the design and construction of higher-risk buildings, supporting dutyholders and applicants navigating Building Control Approval processes. The government also issued corrections and clarifications to Approved Document B, aiming to improve consistency in fire safety interpretation, and published its response to the technical consultation on the Building Safety Levy, setting out how the levy would operate in practice ahead of future regulations. Together, these steps marked a move from inquiry and review toward embedding the next phase of the post-Grenfell building safety framework.

	= Quarter 2 =		= Quarter 2 =

−	~~= =~~	+	April 2025 saw the continuation of detailed government monitoring of building safety remediation. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) published the April Building Safety Remediation data release, showing updates on unsafe cladding remediation progress across various programmes (including the Building Safety Fund and Cladding Safety Scheme) and enforcement actions under the Housing Act 2004, with thousands of buildings tracked for remediation status and works underway. GOV.UK Additionally, industry and professional groups held discussions on implementing the new building control regime and Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 work, such as the CTBUH UK Chapter’s April event on building safety challenges that explored practical and regulatory issues facing the construction sector under the Building Safety Act regime.
		+
		+	May 2025 brought further data transparency and reporting on remediation progress. The May 2025 Building Safety Remediation data release documented continued progress (and some increases in buildings identified with unsafe cladding) across high-rise remediation programmes, including developer-led works and social housing providers’ remediation efforts, maintaining a monthly picture of progress and gaps. GOV.UK In the broader policy context, statistical releases on housing supply for April–June 2025 incorporated building regulatory standard changes as part of measuring new supply, highlighting how safety regimes interact with broader housing delivery indicators (though not strictly safety policy itself).
		+
		+	June 2025 featured the first government progress report on the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 recommendations, published in late May and documented throughout June, showing that nearly all recommendations were accepted and were “in progress,” including actions on regulatory reform, fire services oversight consolidation, and ongoing implementation timelines. International Fire & Safety Journal+1 In June, MHCLG also announced reforms to the Building Safety Regulator aimed at improving efficiency and laying foundations toward the Grenfell recommendation of a single construction regulator, with changes intended to reduce delays in approvals and strengthen governance. GOV.UK The June 2025 Building Safety Remediation data release expanded the monthly reporting content to include estimates of residential buildings with unsafe cladding requiring work, further enriching the government’s public dashboard on remediation status. This whole period was characterised by ongoing detailed public reporting on remediation progress, government momentum on implementing Phase 2 Grenfell Inquiry recommendations, and early regulatory reform actions to address building safety oversight and enforcement, laying groundwork for further legislative and regulatory activity later in 2025.

	= Quarter 3 =		= Quarter 3 =

Editor at 14:02, 16 December 2025

2025-12-16T14:02:21Z

Show changes

Editor at 10:54, 16 December 2025

2025-12-16T10:54:27Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:54, 16 December 2025
Line 28:		Line 28:

	In September 2025, significant developments in building safety and construction included the appointment of Thouria Istephan as interim Chief Construction Adviser and Paul Brown as chair of Build UK, coinciding with plans for £725 billion in infrastructure investment. Key fire safety initiatives included the LABC Fire Engineering Principlestraining, Fire Door Safety Week, and the CIOB awarding Kabbe Njie for work on cultural safety. The Regulator of Social Housing reported 1,926 life-critical defects in high-rise social housing, while the Building Safety Fund closed to new applications, with future remediation routed through the Cladding Safety Scheme. Parliament and committees continued scrutinising the Building Safety Regulator, focusing on remediation pace, guidance, staffing, and Grenfell Inquiry recommendations, as Barratt Redrow revealed over £1 billion in legacy safety costs.		In September 2025, significant developments in building safety and construction included the appointment of Thouria Istephan as interim Chief Construction Adviser and Paul Brown as chair of Build UK, coinciding with plans for £725 billion in infrastructure investment. Key fire safety initiatives included the LABC Fire Engineering Principlestraining, Fire Door Safety Week, and the CIOB awarding Kabbe Njie for work on cultural safety. The Regulator of Social Housing reported 1,926 life-critical defects in high-rise social housing, while the Building Safety Fund closed to new applications, with future remediation routed through the Cladding Safety Scheme. Parliament and committees continued scrutinising the Building Safety Regulator, focusing on remediation pace, guidance, staffing, and Grenfell Inquiry recommendations, as Barratt Redrow revealed over £1 billion in legacy safety costs.
		+
		+	Significant developments in building safety and construction included the appointment of Thouria Istephan as interim Chief Construction Adviser and Paul Brown as chair of Build UK, coinciding with plans for £725 billion in infrastructure investment. Key fire safety initiatives included the LABC Fire Engineering Principlestraining, Fire Door Safety Week, and the CIOBawarding Kabbe Njie for work on cultural safety. The Regulator of Social Housing reported 1,926 life-critical defects in high-rise social housing, while the Building Safety Fund closed to new applications, with future remediation routed through the Cladding Safety Scheme. Parliament and committees continued scrutinising the Building Safety Regulator, focusing on remediation pace, guidance, staffing, and Grenfell Inquiry recommendations, as Barratt Redrow revealed over £1 billion in legacy safety costs.

	= Quarter 4 =		= Quarter 4 =
		+
		+	Key developments over the past month have included continued and concluding scrutiny from of BSR by parliament and the Industry and Regulators Committee over delays in new build and remediation approvals, with 33,000 homes awaiting decisions, though reforms including the Innovation Unit aiming to streamline processes. Though BSR reported record Gateway 2 applications, supported by its Innovation Unit, while social housing competence standards advanced. Gateway 2approval was granted to the UK’s first volumetric student accommodation scheme in Ealing. In London building on BSR and MHCLG improved performance Housing Secretary and the Mayor of London announced fast-tracked planning, new powers and emergency measures to increase housebuilding in the capitol with a £322 million investment fund, and regulatory relief to accelerate housebuilding and deliver affordable homes in line with government targets.
		+
		+	NFCC published its Remediation Position Statement, warning that enforcement alone cannot fix systemic building safety flaws and calling for a centrally coordinated, risk-based remediation programme, workforce development, and regulatory reform. Whilst Scotland’s Cladding Remediation Programme progressed with over 1,000 expressions of interest and £14.2 million spent and Birmingham City Council secured a landmark £50,000 fire safety prosecution for non-compliance with an Improvement Notice. MHCLG issued guidance to accelerate developer-led remediation.
		+
		+	Debates on professional standards and fire safety continued, FPA announced a partnership with FDM to expand fire safety training, alongside its 2025 manifesto and the publication of the Built Environment governance. RBKC further lifted its procurement ban for a consultancy firm involved with Grenfell following a judicial review and out of court settlement, CIOB endorsed the Code for Construction Product Information to improve product transparency and trust. The Housing Scrutiny Commission recommended to Southwark Council that Marie Curie House, the sister building to Lakanal house (which was refurbished in 2017 after the tragic fire in 2009), be demolished due to rising costs, the impact of the BSA and additional fire and structural risks, that were not applicable to Lakanal house.
		+
		+	In October 2025, key developments in UK building safety included piloted changes to accelerate Gateway 2 approvals and new Gateway 3 guidance from the Building Safety Regulator, alongside 152 new build and 253 remediation applications being processed with support from the Innovation Unit and batching pilots. The Edge Debate 187 highlighted the need for a National Built Environment Research Organisation to strengthen research and evidence-based guidance, while a Construction Leadership Council webinar offered practical advice to improve Gateway 2 submissions and speed up approvals.
		+
		+	November in brief
		+
		+	Internationally the end of November saw one of the most horrific and catastrophic multi-tower fires of our times. The Wang Fuk Court fire of 2025 tore through eight scaffold-wrapped residential blocks under renovation, taking an enduring two days to extinguish. With death continuously rising during the short period after the fire with 160 people confirmed dead by 10 December, and dozens still missing. 13 individuals linked to the renovation works had also been arrested.
		+
		+	In the UK, November, alongside the numerous impacts of the Autumn Budget, the building safety and construction sectorssaw other regulatory & operational developments. BSR reported record Gateway 2 determinations, approving 11,138 residential units out of 16,313 submitted, while 36,023 units remain live. The new Innovation Unit reduced median rejection times from 32 to 11 weeks, though many “approval with requirements” cases remain pending. High-risk building projects affected by the collapse of RBCA firms Assent, LB, and Oculus reverted to the BSR, while non-higher-risk projects reverted to local authorities unless a new RBCA was appointed within seven days. In parallel, the government laid the draft 2026 regulations establishing the BSR as an independent body, transferring responsibilities from the HSE and strengthening governance, accountability, and operational focus, aligned with recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2.
		+
		+	Alongside regulatory developments, industry guidance, funding, and memorial initiatives progressed. The BESA GuidanceFramework standardised assessment of principal contractor competence under PAS 8672, providing clear evidence requirements and reducing repetitive pre-qualification burdens. CIOB published a Technical Information Sheet on Pre-Construction Services Agreements, offering practical insights for legal and project management considerations. Fundingi nitiatives included the Cladding Safety Scheme for social housing remediation. Scholarship projects continue to honour Grenfell Tower victims, Freehaus selected to lead the community-engaged memorial design. Meanwhile, the UK aligned construction product regulations with the EU’s new CPR 2024/3110, maintaining the UKCA mark but recognising the EU mark.. Other sector developments included fire door standard transitions, building control consultations, and industry events such as London Build Expo and the Keating Chambers BSA symposium, reflecting ongoing efforts to enhance safety, competence, and regulatory clarity.

	[[Category:Articles_needing_more_work]]		[[Category:Articles_needing_more_work]]

Editor: Created page with "= Quarter 1 = = = = Quarter 2 = = = = Quarter 3 = July in [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Briefs brief] A number of notable events occurred in July 2025, in pa..."

2025-12-16T10:51:35Z

Created page with "= Quarter 1 = = = = Quarter 2 = = = = Quarter 3 = July in [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Briefs brief] A number of notable events occurred in July 2025, in pa..."

New page

= Quarter 1 =

= =

= Quarter 2 =

= =

= Quarter 3 =

July in [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Briefs brief]

A number of notable events occurred in July 2025, in particular the official transfer of the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). This shift signalling the structural change in oversight as was recommended by the Grenfell Inquiry. The building safetyconsiderations that had previously been introduced as a optional element of the Common Assessment Standard were in July made mandatory. In Wales in tandem with the governments formal response to the Grenfell inqury final report it presented its Building Safety (Wales) Bill before the Senadd. In Scotland the Scottish Building Safety Levy was introduced to its first reading at Stage 1.

The inconsistency surrounding the definition of roof terraces for HRBs following the tribunal earlier in the year was finally clarified by the BSR and in contrast to the tribunal recommended continued use of the existing guidance. CROSS-UK was formally designated as the official voluntary reporting system for structural and fire safety incidents, effective until at least 2028. The same day saw the updated guidance for the forthcoming Building Safety Levy was finally published and the somewhat unpopular news (particularly with the Grenfell community) that the Grenfell related debarment proceedings would be postponed in order to avoid conflicting with current and active criminal investigations.

July also saw the continued work of House of Lords Industry and Regulators Committee inquiry into building safety regulation featured, with recorded discussions with Dame Judith Hackitt. Dame Hackitt also chairs the newly formed Building Control Independent Panel who were also in the news with the release its initial “problem statement” and the publication of its call for evidence, marking a new phase of stakeholder engagement in assessing and improving building control practices. On a similar theme the last day of the month saw the BSR who leading the Fundamental Review of Building Regulations Guidance announce its appointment of six members to the panel carrying out the work and advising the government on ways forward.

Other notable news included the governments expansion to its Remediation Acceleration Plan to achieve that work on unsafe high-rise buildings is complete by 2029 and the introduction of the Joint Plan aiming to streamline remediation in social housing while improving the resident experience. The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea also updated it list of the barred contract who were involved in the Grenfell project, lifting its ban on the contractor Siderise following its challenge to the councils actions in court.

August in brief

A series of building safety developments underscored the drive for accountability, competence, and clearer regulation. The government appointed six experts to the Fundamental Review of Building Regulations Guidance panel, tasked with overhauling Approved Documents by 2026, while the Court of Appeal confirmed that key leaseholder protections in the Building Safety Act 2022 apply retrospectively, ensuring developers and landlords, not residents, fund historical remediation. Across the UK, progress continues: Scotland reported 600 applications to its Cladding Remediation Programme, Walesissued updated guidance for fire safety remediation of residential buildings over 11m, and England saw L&Q secure a £15m settlement with Bouygues over unsafe cladding. Industry responses included the CIOB’s new Guide to Products Critical to Safe Construction, CITB’s training programme to upskill façade workers, and the GAI/DHF/OPSS fire door ironmongery guide, all aimed at raising competence and compliance. Meanwhile, LABC launched self-assessment tools to prepare local authority teams for upcoming BSR audits, reflecting a wider push to embed best practice and restore confidence in the building safety system.

Continued efforts to strengthen building safety and competence across the sector, with BSR launching new engagement routes to help applicants improve the quality and consistency of building control applications, encouraging early dialogue, feedback sessions, and the “Identify, Clarify, Justify” approach to minimise rework and delays. CITB has awarded he contract to train 100 rainscreen façade installers and 24 supervisors, addressing critical skills gaps in cladding remediation work post-Grenfell. Meanwhile, RICS clarified the position of EWS1 forms, now 5 years old and their gradual replacement, new government research on means of escape in high-rise buildings found that flat heat-detection alarms combined with building-wide voice systems most effectively reduced evacuation times, offering key insights for future safety strategies.

September in brief

In September 2025, significant developments in building safety and construction included the appointment of Thouria Istephan as interim Chief Construction Adviser and Paul Brown as chair of Build UK, coinciding with plans for £725 billion in infrastructure investment. Key fire safety initiatives included the LABC Fire Engineering Principlestraining, Fire Door Safety Week, and the CIOB awarding Kabbe Njie for work on cultural safety. The Regulator of Social Housing reported 1,926 life-critical defects in high-rise social housing, while the Building Safety Fund closed to new applications, with future remediation routed through the Cladding Safety Scheme. Parliament and committees continued scrutinising the Building Safety Regulator, focusing on remediation pace, guidance, staffing, and Grenfell Inquiry recommendations, as Barratt Redrow revealed over £1 billion in legacy safety costs.

= Quarter 4 =

[[Category:Articles_needing_more_work]]