Fundamental Review of Building Regulations Guidance

[edit] Fundamental Review of Building Regulations Guidance

The Deputy Prime Minister has asked the Building Safety Regulator to undertake a fundamental review of how building regulations guidance is produced, updated, and communicated to the construction industry.

In her opening speech during the House of Commons debate on the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report on 2 December 2024, Angela Rayner announced the review of guidance to the building regulations known as the Approved Documents (ADs).

[edit] What are Approved Documents and why are they important?

ADs provide detailed guidance for builders, architects, and other professionals on how to meet the functional requirements of building regulations in common building situations. However, concerns have been raised that they are overly complex and difficult to use. BSR is undertaking a major review to determine how best to provide clear, easy to understand guidance to the building regulations.

This review is a vital step toward simplifying guidance, making compliance easier, and improving safety and quality in construction.

[edit] Why is this review happening?

Two major reports have highlighted the need for change:

• Dame Judith Hackitt’s 2018 Review called the ADs “complex, ambiguous and not user-friendly” and recommended simplifying them as well as making them digital.
• The Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report echoed this sentiment, emphasising the need for continuous review and regular updates to ensure guidance remains relevant and effective.

In April 2023, the responsibility for updating and keeping ADs under review was transferred to the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), part of the Health and Safety Executive. BSR is now leading this important review.

BSR’s Strategic Plan (2023-2026) commits to addressing the long-standing issues with the Approved Documents.

[edit] What will the review focus on and achieve?

It will explore how to make the guidance:

• Easier to understand and use.
• Regularly updated to keep up with new technologies and practices.
• More accessible, especially for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs).

The goal is to ensure that everyone who uses to the guidance can rely on it to be clear, accurate, and practical.

The result will be safer, higher-quality buildings and greater confidence in the building safety system.

[edit] Who is involved?

BSR is leading the review of the guidance and will be supported by individuals with expertise in architecture, building control, housebuilding, and digital and technical issues.

BSR will also gather feedback from residents, industry professionals, and government departments to ensure the review reflects everyone’s views.

[edit] What happens next?

During early 2025, BSR will establish a review panel. The process will involve agreeing on the panel’s terms of reference, appointing a Chair to lead its activities, and selecting panel members to assist in fulfilling its scope and objectives. We will announce further detail in due course.

This article appears on the Government Making Building Safer news webpage as "Fundamental Review of Building Regulations Guidance" dated December, 2024.

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