Building Control Independent Panel BCIP

[edit] Background

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 panel; chaired by Dame Judith Hackitt, and joined by Elaine Bailey, Ken Rivers, Rt Hon Nick Raynsford and Dr David Snowball.

[edit] 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.

[edit] Problem statement

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, the panel published its guidance entitled '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 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.

[edit] Call for evidence

The panel is inviting stakeholders to share views to inform future recommendations. The questions asked are outlined in full below and details of how to respond can be found here:

1. Do you agree with the BCIP problem statement? Are there other areas of concern that you think we have missed?
2. 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. 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?
4. How should resources be deployed most effectively to minimise conflict of interest and to ensure appropriate levels of oversight of building works?
5. Should there be a minimum number of inspections prescribed for different types of buildings and if so, at what stages should these take place?
6. How can we ensure that BC is managed consistently with timely interventions, proportionate approaches and risk-based targeting?
7. How can we best monitor and measure performance of all BC activities?
8. What are the key minimum skill sets required in any Building Control Body (BCB)?
9. 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?
10. Is there effective oversight and enforcement of the Competent Person Scheme (CPS) self-certification schemes? What changes would improve compliance and enforcement?
11. Where BC is linked to the provision of warranties does this lead to better standards of building work and if not, why?
12. Are you aware of particular examples of good practice internationally that you would recommend we look at?
13. How do we improve effectiveness and efficiency whilst delivering better standards of BC?
14. How can the system develop to deliver increases in competence and skills?
15. 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?
16. Would enforcement functions be better served by a more centralised system working in partnership with local authorities where action is necessary?

[edit] Related articles on Designing buildings

• Approved documents.
• Approved inspector.
• Building control body.
• Five members of the independent Building Control review panel appointed.
• Fundamental Review of Building Regulations Guidance.
• House of Lords Industry and Regulators Committee Inquiry into building safety regulation.
• 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 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.