Industry reaction, as MHCLG publishes single construction regulator prospectus

1 Details of the prospectus
2 What is a single construction regulator?
3 Immediate industry reactions
4 When will the new single construction regulator come into force?
5 What is included in the consultation?
6 Related articles on Designing Buildings

[edit] Details of the prospectus

On 17 December, 2025 MHCLG published its Single construction regulator prospectus which outlines how it is going to reform the regulatory system to embed building safety.

The prospectus was presented to Parliament by Samantha Dixon MBE MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Building Safety, Fire and Democracy by Command of His Majesty.

[edit] What is a single construction regulator?

The first recommendation in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Report was for the government to create a single regulator that draws together functions relating to the construction industry with the aim of reducing fragmentation and driving culture change.

The Phase 2 report states:

113.5 In our view all the functions to which we have referred… should be exercised by a single independent body headed by a person whom, for the sake of convenience, we shall call a construction regulator, reporting to a single Secretary of State. The establishment of such a regulator would bring a number of benefits, not least a focal point in driving a much-needed change in the culture of the construction industry. It would enable information to be shared effectively between those responsible for different aspects of the industry and promote the exchange of ideas. Information on developments in the industry, both in this country and abroad, could be shared more easily between all those interested in it. We envisage that such a construction regulator would have sufficient resources to take on the following functions, most of which are currently discharged by one or other of a variety of bodies:

a) the regulation of construction products;

b) the development of suitable methods for testing the reaction to fire of materials and products intended for use in construction;

c) the testing and certification of such products;

d) the issue of certificates of compliance of construction products with the requirements of legislation, statutory guidance and industry standards;

e) the regulation and oversight of building control;

f) the licensing of contractors to work on higher-risk buildings;

g) monitoring the operation of the Building Regulations and the statutory guidance and advising the Secretary of State on the need for change;

h) carrying out research on matters affecting fire safety in the built environment;

i) collecting information, both in this country and abroad, on matters affecting fire safety;

j) exchanging information with the fire and rescue services on matters affecting fire safety;

k) accrediting fire risk assessors;

l) maintaining a publicly available library of test data and publications.

[edit] Immediate industry reactions

[edit] Minister for building safety

Minister for building safety Samantha Dixon said: “The plans set out today show how we are learning from the Grenfell tragedy and what we are doing to improve the effectiveness, consistency and efficiency of the construction sector and what we’re doing to make sure people’s homes are safe and good quality. The case for reform is strong – one regulator across the entire construction system will be better able to review evidence, identify risks, issues and opportunities, as well as support action with enforcement where it is necessary. Alongside the prospectus published today, we have launched a consultation which seeks views on the plans from across the construction sector. This will inform final plans and a full response to the consultation will set out more detail on regulatory reform – set to be published in summer 2026."

[edit] Interim chief construction advisor

Interim chief construction advisor Thouria Istephan said: “This prospectus is the starting point for reform which delivers on the Grenfell Inquiry’s call for systemic change. The creation of a Single Construction Regulator will replace a fragmented system with one that prioritises safety, accountability, and clarity – integrating oversight of buildings, products, and professions. It’s about protecting lives, rebuilding trust, and fostering a culture where responsibility, accountability and quality come first”.

[edit] Building Safety Regulator

Executive chair of the Building Safety Regulator Andy Roe said: “The journey toward a Single Regulator is a decisive and important step in strengthening building safety. Over the past few months, we have worked hard to speed up the application processes within the BSR for new high-rise residential buildings and are already seeing positive changes. The BSR’s role will evolve as we move to a new body, and in longer time toward the Single Regulator, through a carefully managed transition. Throughout this process, we will continue our commitment to collaboration, and delivering a regulatory system that keeps residents safe, and supports essential construction.”

[edit] CIOB

CIOB director of policy, external affairs and research, Eddie Tuttle, said: “At the time the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase Two report was published we committed to supporting the recommendations made and working with Government to action them where we could. Improving quality and safety must always be a key priority for everyone in every part of the built environment sector to avoid future tragedies and ensure all buildings are safe for those who occupy them. The publication of this prospectus outlining a single construction regulator for all functions relating to the construction industry, is a significant step and we will be reviewing it in detail and responding in the early part of 2026.

“We encourage our members and those across the industry to read what the prospectus outlines. We will respond to the formal consultation, which closes on 20 March 2026.”

[edit] ARB

Hugh Simpson, Chief Executive and Registrar of ARB, said: “We welcome the government’s commitment to rationalise and strengthen the system of regulatory oversight and enforcement for the professions in the built environment. We will continue to share our expertise, as we have done through our participation in the Single Construction Regulator Advisory Board, and to work constructively with government and other built environment stakeholders. We look forward to contributing to the call for evidence on regulation of professions which the government is planning for spring 2026.

ARB has taken a number of steps since the Grenfell Tower tragedy to strengthen our own regulatory framework. These include the introduction of a new statutory CPD scheme, the strengthening of fire and life safety design requirements through initial education and training of architects in the UK, and stressing the importance of acting in the public interest through the new Architects Code of Conduct and Practice.

ARB agrees with government that this is a generational opportunity to enable better, clearer regulation. We have been discussing with government opportunities through their consultation to review regulation of the title ‘architect’ and consider alternative ways to increase the efficiency of pre-construction design and increase consumer and business confidence including regulated activities in architecture.”

[edit] CIAT

In the CIAT "Building safety and regulation update" the institute noted 'Looking ahead, it is clear from the prospectus and wider industry moves that reform to professional regulation will be a key issue in the year ahead ("a comprehensive programme of reform" to professional regulation is to be published in the spring). This will be highly consequential for CIAT and its membership. The Institute is already actively engaging with Government, CIC and others to make the case for regulation that is fair, proportionate and focuses on competence rather than specific titles. Members and affiliates will have opportunities to engage with CIAT as this work progresses.'

More information on CIAT's position regarding regulatory reform can be found in Usman Yaqub PCIAT's letter to members and affiliates and in the June 2025 position paper, Safety, innovation and diversity in building design.

[edit] When will the new single construction regulator come into force?

There is no confirmed timescales at the moment, but the consultation will close on 20th March 2026 and government has said a response will be published in the summer.

[edit] What is included in the consultation?

The consultation asks the following questions:

Where do each of the proposed outcomes for the system [outlined in Chapter 1] sit on a scale from very useful to not useful at all?
What role would you and/or your organisation play in achieving these outcomes?
What will be the most important factors to achieving the proposed outcomes?
What are the most important barriers that could prevent the proposed outcomes from being met?   
What data would be needed to demonstrate whether the outcomes are being achieved?
Have you experienced any challenges with providing information via government digital services when complying with current regulatory requirements across products, professions and buildings?  
How should the new regulator promote consistent digital standards and interoperability across the lifecycle of a building (including products, professions and buildings)?  
What digital tools and platforms do you find most effective for ensuring you meet regulatory compliance and why?   
What are the opportunities and risks associated with automating regulatory compliance checking (e.g. AI-driven assessment), and how should oversight, accountability and human review be retained within automated systems?
Do you agree with the principles set out in this chapter [Chapter 3: Roles and responsibilities in an integrated regulatory system], and the proposed roles and responsibilities for government, regulatory bodies and industry?
What are your views on how the new regulator can work with industry to support culture change, towards a quality and safety-led culture? What sort of incentives or sanctions do you feel would be effective in supporting this change?
What are your views on how the industry can best drive the culture change and respond effectively to the changes proposed in this prospectus? In your view, how prepared are individuals and businesses for these changes? What would support industry to be more prepared?