Written statement on Grenfell Tower Inquiry Recommendations – Progress - Dec 17

Minister for Building Safety (Samantha Dixon): The Grenfell Tower fire in 2017 was a national tragedy that highlighted profound failures across systems, safeguards and oversight and led to the avoidable deaths of 72 innocent people.

Eight years on, the bereaved, survivors, and immediate community continue to campaign for justice, truth and accountability. We are committed to delivering the substantial reforms needed to make sure that such a tragedy never happens again.

In February, the Government accepted all the Inquiry's findings and is taking action on all 58 Phase 2 recommendations to build a more robust and trusted regulatory system and deliver safe, quality homes for everyone.

Today, my department has published our third Progress Report. Alongside this update, we have published a prospectus and consultation on creating a Single Construction Regulator; the Fire Engineers Authoritative Statement and Next Steps Document; and results of the Building Safety Regulator's initial review of the definition of higher-risk buildings and plans for an ongoing review.

These are significant steps to deliver the reforms we committed to in the Government's response to the Grenfell Inquiry to tackle fragmentation and complexity in the regulatory system and to ensure those responsible for building and fire safety are competent.

Grenfell Tower Inquiry Government Progress Report

This progress clearly demonstrates the Government's determination to act decisively to deliver meaningful reform of the built environment. Since the progress report in September, we have completed a further five recommendations related to the construction industry, fire and rescue services and protecting vulnerable people.

Single Construction Regulator Prospectus: Consultation Document

The first recommendation from the Inquiry's Phase 2 report was for Government to introduce a single construction regulator to tackle complexity and fragmentation in how the industry is regulated. In our response to the Inquiry, we committed to consulting on our next steps this year. Today we have published the Single Construction Regulator Prospectus: Consultation Document. This is a significant milestone in delivering this recommendation.

The prospectus lays out Government's vision for a better regulatory system. We will tackle fragmentation by integrating the regulation of buildings, construction products, and professionals so they work as an effective system. At the heart of the system will be a single construction regulator who will consolidate the delivery of regulatory functions. The prospectus also sets out next steps for this Government's wider programme of regulatory reform, including reforms to the Construction Products regime, to be set out in a White Paper by spring 2026, and a new overarching strategy for the built environment professions that goes beyond the areas highlighted by the Inquiry, to be published in spring 2027. The purpose of this reform is a more effective regulatory system, which means better outcomes for residents and building users; clarity and certainty for industry and investors; and a fairer system, that benefits those who prioritise safety and quality and sets clear accountabilities for all actors with a stake in the built environment.

Progress towards the Single Construction Regulator has begun through significant reforms to the Building Safety Regulator (BSR). In June, MHCLG announced a new phase for the BSR, including strengthened leadership and steps to address operational challenges. Work is now underway to establish the BSR as a new arm's length body sponsored by MHCLG. The new body and dedicated leadership will provide a singular focus for this complex area of regulation, clearer lines of accountability to Ministers and Parliament, and greater operational flexibility while retaining its regulatory independence. Further reform, including integrating additional responsibilities, will be managed through a carefully phased approach, to ensure the current regulatory regime is not destabilised and to set the future regulator up for success.

The prospectus and consultation can be found on gov.uk at https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/single-construction-regulator-prospectus.(opens in a new tab) The consultation will run until 20 March 2026, inviting views on the proposals. We encourage as many responses as possible, to shape the future direction of the regulator and wider building system and make sure these reforms lead to real change for residents and building users.

Fire Engineers Authoritative Statement and Next Steps Document

The Fire Engineers Advisory Panel, established in April, brings together leading experts to strengthen the Government's response to the Inquiry's recommendations concerning fire engineers. In September, we committed to publishing an authoritative statement (recommendation 17) on the knowledge and skills to be expected of a competent fire engineer.

Today we have published the Fire Engineers Authoritative Statement, alongside a Next Steps document. This paper will set out MHCLG's approach to recommendations 15, 16 and 18. Together, these publications provide clarity for the sector and signal the start of wider reforms to make sure the fire engineering profession is fit for the future.

Higher-Risk Buildings review publication

Today we have published the results of the Buildings Safety Regulator's initial review of the definition of higher-risk buildings as well as the Regulator's plans for an ongoing review.

The initial review found that the current definition appropriately reflects the available evidence on risks to individuals from the spread of fire and structural failure. Although no changes are to be made to regime scope at the present time, the ongoing review will ensure the data and evidence is regularly assessed to determine whether the categories of building subject to the higher-risk regime should be amended in any way. The presence of vulnerable individuals within designated building types will remain central to any assessment of risk.

Approved Document B Consultation

We will shortly launch a public consultation on proposed updates to Approved Document B, the statutory fire safety guidance within the Building Regulations. The consultation will seek views on targeted clarifications and technical changes, including new provisions for evacuation lifts in residential buildings above 18 metres, alongside measures to improve clarity and strengthen confidence in the guidance. These updates will be an important step in supporting inclusive design, safe evacuation strategies, and maintaining robust fire safety standards across the built environment.