Building Safety recap July, 2025
[edit] 2025 in brief
From January to the early summer 2025, the UK saw a series of significant developments in its building safety regime. The Welsh Government began consulting on the second phase of its new building control regime, covering duty holder roles, gateways, golden thread data, and enforcement powers. In February, the UK government published its formal response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry's Phase 2 report, which examined the underlying causes of the Grenfell fire, and was published on September 4, 2024. The government's response accepted 49 of the 58 recommendations in full and the remaining 9 in principle and it also launched the Remediation Acceleration Plan with strict timelines for the fixing unsafe buildings, levy proposals, legal duties for remediation, and new enforcement measures. Later that month, seven organisations linked to the Grenfell tragedy were earmarked for possible exclusion from public contracts, alongside moves toward a single construction regulator and tighter fire safety assessor standards. March saw updates to Approved Document B coming into force, adding sprinkler requirements for all new care homes, revising fire-safety information rules, and removing national fire reaction classifications.
[edit] July in 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 safety considerations 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.
[edit] Fundamental Review of Building Regulations Guidance panel. 31 July
The UK government commissioned a Fundamental Review of Building Regulations Guidance, led by the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), to overhaul how the statutory Approved Documents are created, organised, updated, and communicated. This follows the Deputy Prime Minister’s announcement in December 2024, in response to criticisms from Dame Judith Hackitt’s 2018 review and the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2, both highlighting that the guidance, intended to help builders and designers meet Building Regulations, is overly complex and not user-friendly. The review aims to simplify language, introduce regular updates, improve accessibility (especially for SMEs), and ensure clarity and effectiveness. A panel of experts from architecture, building control, housebuilding, and digital fields will advise the BSR, with an interim report expected in early 2026 and a final report by summer 2026.
https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Fundamental_Review_of_Building_Regulations_Guidance
[edit] Building Control Independent Panel and call for evidence. 29 July
The UK Government established the Building Control Independent Panel (BCIP) in early 2025 in direct response to the Grenfell Inquiry’s recommendations. Announced on 26 February, the panel, chaired by Dame Judith Hackitt and including Elaine Bailey, Ken Rivers, Nick Raynsford, and Dr. David Snowball, was tasked to examine whether commercial interests ought to be removed from building control and whether all building control functions should be centralised under a national authority. Their role includes evaluating conflict-of-interest issues, capacity limitations, and governance structures within the current system, assessing legal frameworks like the Building Safety Act 2022 and Building Act 1984. It will consider the implications of creating institutions such as a Single Construction Regulator or Chief Construction Adviser. On 15 July 2025, the panel published its “problem statement” outlining eight core concerns, from systemic conflicts and weakened enforcement to local authority resource constraints and inadequate product testing and launched a call for evidence ahead of delivering recommendations by year’s end on 29 July.
https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Building_Control_Independent_Panel_BCIP
[edit] Creation of The Belfast Group announced. 24 July
24 July saw the creation of what is called the Belfast Group, a collaborative forum comprising of five professional architecture bodies that have "come together to ensure that architects in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales are equally competent to design buildings that conform to the highest levels of fire safety and life protection. " The group will share best practice in design standards, information and knowledge and include the RIBA, RIAI, RIAS, RSAW, and RSUA.
https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/The_Belfast_Group
[edit] Plans for accelerating building remediation. 17 July
On 17 July, the government announced updates to two plans regarding the acceleration of building remediation; the Joint plan to accelerate social housing remediation and improve resident experience, specific to social housing, and extensions to the Remediation Acceleration Plan which is a broader initiative covering all residential buildings with unsafe cladding. The aim of both is primarily to speed up the removal of dangerous cladding, with a secondary element to minimise disruption and in the case of social housing to enhance the experience of residents during and after remediation.
The UK government expanded its Remediation Acceleration Plan with £1 billion for social housing cladding removal, strict 2029–2031 deadlines backed by fines or jail, and powers for authorities to act if landlords default. The plan adds leaseholder support, limited funding for smaller buildings, a Building Safety Levy from 2026 to raise £3.4 billion, local acceleration plans, and a national safety database—building on progress that has improved safety for over 24,000 residents since December 2024.
The Joint Remediation Plan, brings together the UK government, social landlords, and regulators to speed up the removal of unsafe cladding on residential buildings. Comprising 22 targeted commitments, the plan aims to identify affected buildings, ensure remedial works are completed efficiently, and enhance the resident experience before, during, and after remediation. Key initiatives include granting social landlords equal access to funding as private counterparts, leveraging over £1 billion in investment, supporting local authorities through Local Remediation Acceleration Plans, and deploying a National Remediation System, a comprehensive dataset tracking all at-risk buildings over 11 meters. The goal being to dramatically shorten remediation timelines and ensure accountability and transparency across the sector.
https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Joint_Remediation_Plan
[edit] RBKC removes Siderise from Grenfell contractors ban. 17 July
Kensington and Chelsea Council initially imposed an indefinite ban on contractors linked to the Grenfell Tower tragedy, including Rydon, Celotex, Kingspan, and Arconic, from bidding on, winning, or being part of any future council contracts, including via sub-contractors or frameworks. The ban was then extended to include not just the core companies but any associated contractors or products sourced in relation to Grenfell, including Sideris, who the supplied cavity barriers used during the Grenfell renovation. The company then announced a judicial review challenging its inclusion on the banned list arguing its products did not meet RBKC’s own criteria and no wrongdoing was found in the Inquiry regarding its conduct. At the time RBKC maintained its position and stood by its decision but lifted this prohibition for Siderise on 17 July after reassessment of its suitability.
https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Kensington_and_Chelsea_Grenfell_contractor_policy
[edit] CCPi Full and latest Products and Product Sets List Released 15 July
Full Products and Product Sets List Released alongside the Latest Products and Product Sets. The Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) established to raise standards in construction product information and marketing, aiming to foster a culture of clarity, accuracy, accessibility, and reliability across the industry. It helps clients, constructors, developers, specifiers, and architects make confident, informed choices by ensuring product details are up-to-date and unambiguous. The latest release of CCPI-assessed products and product sets reflects this commitment, with the CCPI mark signifying compliance with higher standards.
https://www.cpicode.org.uk/news/latest-ccpi-assessed-products-product-sets-released/
[edit] Industry and Regulators Committee inquiry. 15 July
Industry and Regulators Committee inquiry interview Dame Judith Hackitt (Lords Inquiry updates) In her oral evidence, Dame Judith explained that the regulatory framework she proposed in her 2018 review has been largely implemented through the Building Safety Act 2022, with the new Building Safety Regulator (BSR) fulfilling the oversight role she envisaged, though not exactly via the Joint Competent Authority model UK Parliament Committees. She acknowledged progress but emphasised persistent challenges—particularly delays at Gateway 2 due to vague guidance and inconsistent applications—and stressed the urgent need for strengthened collaboration between industry and regulator
[edit] CROSS-UK official voluntary reporting system. 10 July
CROSS-UK official voluntary reporting system for structural and fire safety until at least 2028.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), acting in its role as the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), formally appointed CROSS-UK (Collaborative Reporting for Safer Structures) as the official Voluntary Occurrence Reporting System (VORS) for structural and fire safety until at least 2028, following a competitive tender process. Operating independently of both the regulator and government, CROSS-UK has been running the system on an interim basis since April 2023 and is trusted across the industry for its ability to support cultural change, risk recognition, and improved public safety through anonymous reporting, expert review, and shared learning. CROSS-UK provides a secure, confidential channel for professionals to report safety concerns and near-misses—strengthening building safety in the post-Grenfell regulatory framework under the 2022 Building Safety Act
[edit] Building Safety Levy Guidance published. 10 July
On 10 July 2025, the UK government published major updates to the Building Safety Levy: Guidance, introducing entirely new content across multiple sections of the guidance. These additions include:
- Section 1: Introduction. Clarifies key concepts and scope of the levy guidance.
- Section 2: Levy rates and calculations. Charges per m2, incl. discounted rates for previously developed land.
- Section 3: Advice residential building developers. Guidance on levy obligations and exemptions for developers.
- Section 4: Advice for Local Authorities. Roles & responsibilities; admin, calculating, and handling applications.
- Annex A: Process maps. Flowcharts of how levy payments and notifications progress across relevant parties.
- Annex B: Proformas. Template forms; levy liability notices, payment certificates, and notices of no charge.
- Annex C: Methodology Note. Explains underlying calculations, incl. fundraising targets (approx £3.4 billion over 10 years) and intentions to review levy rates every three years, starting in the levy’s second year.
https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Building_safety_levy
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/building-safety-levy-guidance/updates
[edit] Grenfell debarment proceedings postponed. 10 July
Grenfell Debarment proceedings postponed at risk f prejudice to criminal investigations.
Debarment investigations into seven organisations, strongly criticised by the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, were paused to avoid prejudicing ongoing criminal investigations. These firms were being assessed under the new Procurement Act 2023 for professional misconduct and potential inclusion on a debarment list, which could prevent them from securing public contracts. However, at the request of the Metropolitan Police and the Crown Prosecution Service, the Cabinet Office halted these non-criminal inquiries to preserve the integrity of the criminal proceedings.
[edit] Welsh Government formal response to the Grenfell inquiry report. 7 July
On 7 July 2025, the Welsh Government published its formal response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Final Report, it responded to each of the recommendations and providing updates relevant to the work being done in Wales. It notes that there is "there is much more to do across the UK" and it is ready to work with the UK Government, the government of Scotland and of Northern Ireland, to implement reforms on both reserved and devolved matters. The response acknowledged the Grenfell Tower tragedy as "one of the most devastating events in our recent history" seeing the final report as a significant moment of understanding and for future prevention and accepting all of the recommendations either on principle or in full.
https://www.gov.wales/grenfell-tower-inquiry-phase-2-report-welsh-government-response-html
[edit] Building Safety (Wales) Bill. 7 July
On 7 July 2025 the Building Safety (Wales) Bill and its Explanatory Memorandum were laid before the Senedd. As one of the Programme for Government commitments, the Bill builds on the 2021 Safer Buildings in Wales White Paper and aims to improve building safety in Wales through the introduction of a new building safety regime covering the occupation and ongoing management of multi-occupied residential buildings.
Informed by extensive stakeholder engagement it is a key element of the Government’s response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, the Hackitt Review, and the work of the Welsh Government’s Building Safety Expert Group. The three key principles of the Bill are safety, accountability and resident voice. The Bill will require fire and structural risks to be assessed and managed whilst buildings are in occupation, for the benefit of residents and others, with a robust enforcement regime to back that up. It will establish clear lines of responsibility in multi-occupied residential buildings, by creating new roles and responsibilities for those that own and manage these buildings. The Bill will also empower residents and give them a stronger voice in matters that affect their home.
https://www.gov.wales/new-legislation-improve-building-safety-wales
[edit] Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Blil. 5 July
The Scottish Government introduced the Scottish Building Safety Levy on 5 June 2025 at its current at Stage 1. This is a new tax applied to the construction or conversion of residential property developments, subject to certain exemptions. The levy was made possible by an amendment to the Scotland Act 1998, granting devolved powers to impose a tax linked to specific stages of the building control process. Revenue generated will be dedicated to funding building safety measures, it is a comparable levy to that which is due to be introduced to England in October 2025.
https://www.parliament.scot/bills-and-laws/bills/s6/building-safety-levy-scotland-bill
[edit] Tribunal HRB roof terrace definition response. 3 July
A First-Tier Tribunal decision (Blomfield v Monier Road Ltd) concluded that a rooftop garden—combined with plant/machinery—could legally count as a “storey,” potentially classifying a building as higher-risk under the Building Safety Act 2022, even though government guidance states that open roof terraces are not storeys. The Tribunal reasoned that since the regulations only exclude fully enclosed machinery or plant rooms, a usable rooftop garden lies outside that carve-out and thus should be counted. In response, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and the Building Safety Regulator reaffirmed that existing statutory guidance remains in force and clarified that roof gardens should not be treated as storeys, while also indicating they are exploring regulatory amendments to remove ambiguity.
https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Roof_terraces_and_higher-risk_buildings
[edit] Common Assessment Standard changes. 1 July
As of 1 July 2025, Build UK has introduced Version 5 of the Common Assessment Standard, which now requires that all companies carrying out design or construction work under the Building Safety Act must complete the new Building Safety section as part of their CAS certification process. This version also features refreshed content in the Corporate & Professional Standing, Environmental, and Fairness, Inclusion & Respect categories. Organizations must act promptly: many Build UK Contractor members are expecting their specialist contractor supply chain to have successfully completed the Building Safety questions by 1 October 2025
[edit] BSR transfer from HSE to MHCLG. 1 July
BSR transferred from HSE to MHCLG. 01.07
The UK government introduced a suite of reforms to the BSR aimed at accelerating the delivery of 1.5 million safe, high-quality homes and initiating the path toward establishing a single construction regulator, in line with the Grenfell Tower Inquiry's recommendations. Key changes included:
- New leadership structure: Andy Roe KFSM (former Commissioner of the London Fire Brigade) has been appointed as non-executive chair of a new MHCLG board responsible for BSR functions, supported by incoming CEO Charlie Pugsley.
- Fast-track review process: A dedicated Fast Track Process will be introduced, integrating in-house engineers and building inspectors into BSR to help clear backlog and reduce delays in new-build and remediation applications.
- Bolstered capacity: Over 100 additional staff are being recruited to enhance regulatory operations and speed up decision-making for building safety cases.
- Industry leaders have responded positively, highlighting that the reforms offer much-needed clarity, momentum, and transparency—especially important for addressing persistent delays in approvals under the current regime
https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Building_Safety_Regulator_reforms
Quick links
[edit] Legislation and standards
Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
Secondary legislation linked to the Building Safety Act
Building safety in Northern Ireland
[edit] Dutyholders and competencies
BSI Built Environment Competence Standards
Competence standards (PAS 8671, 8672, 8673)
Industry Competence Steering Group
[edit] Regulators
National Regulator of Construction Products
[edit] Fire safety
Independent Grenfell Tower Inquiry
[edit] Other pages
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