Corporate report

Annual Report February 2026: the construction industry

Published 25 February 2026

Recommendation 1 

Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
113.6	In progress	Government	In principle

Recommendation 

That the government draw together under a single regulator all the functions relating to the construction industry to which we have referred.

What we have done 

In February 2025 the government accepted, in principle, the Inquiry’s recommendation to establish a single construction regulator. In addition, the government committed to publish a prospectus, setting out further plans, by the end of the year. In the last year we have made progress towards establishing a single regulator. In June, we announced changes to the existing governance arrangements which will strengthen capability in the Building Safety Regulator. Improving existing regulator arrangements is the first stage of our work to implement a new single regulator. Changes to the Building Safety Regulator that we announced included new interim leadership, additional investment to increase capacity, and improvements to operating models and processes. 

In November, we laid a Statutory Instrument to transfer building safety functions from the Health and Safety Executive into a new arms‑length body of Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. The new body became operational at the end of January 2026. 

Alongside industry, residents, regulators and experts we began work on the initial designs for a prospectus which will set out proposals for the regulator’s scope and functions. In September, following the announcement on changes to the Building Safety Regulator, we shared that the Single Regulator Advisory Board had been established, supported by working groups, the board has been considering a range of themes such as the desired outcomes, scope and functions of the single regulator. This work informed the Single Construction Regulator Prospectus Consultation, seeking views on a long-term, system wide approach to change, that we published in December this year. 

In 2026 we expect to consolidate the organisational and practical changes that have been made to the Building Safety Regulator to ensure it consistently meets performance expectations. The prospectus consultation will close on 20 March 2026, and we anticipate publishing a response in the Summer. The government response will provide further detail on our plans for the single regulator. Legislation to underpin the single regulator will be introduced when parliamentary time allows.

Responsible department 

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government 

Responsible person 

Catherine Adams, Director, Buildings Management and Insight 

Implementation Timeline 

2025 

• Publication of the Single Construction Regulator Prospectus: Consultation Document. – Complete
• Secondary legislation laid in Parliament to make changes to the Building Safety Regulator and establish a new body. – Complete 

2026 

• New Building Safety Regulator body is legally established. (Q1) 

• Single Construction Regulator Prospectus Consultation closes. (Q1) 

• Government response to the consultation published. (Q4) 

2027 to 2029 (when parliamentary time allows): 

• Introduction of primary legislation. 

2028 to 2029

• Legislative framework complete and the single regulator is established. Implementation and transition begins.

Recommendation 2 

Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
113.7	Complete	Government	In full

Recommendation 

That the definition of a higher-risk building for the purposes of the Building Safety Act be reviewed urgently.

What we have done 

The initial review of the definition of higher-risk buildings is now complete. 

The Building Safety Regulator’s review found the current definition appropriately reflects the available evidence on risks to individuals from the spread of fire and structural failure. The review concluded that, at present, there is insufficient evidence to suggest changes should be made to regime scope. This view is supported by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. 

The Building Safety Regulator has also set out plans for the ongoing review, ensuring data and evidence are regularly assessed to determine whether the categories of buildings subject to enhanced regulatory oversight of the higher-risk regime should be amended in any way. 

The government published the results of the initial review and plans for the ongoing review in December 2025. The review was extended to December 2025 to give time to fully consider and incorporate concerns raised about the operation of the higher-risk regime.

This recommendation is complete and has been fully discharged. 

Implementation Timeline 

2025 

• Publication of the Building Safety Regulator’s initial review of higher-risk scope and plans for ongoing review. – Complete 

• The Building Safety Regulator has identified and knows how to address any gaps in the data and/or evidence. – Complete 

Recommendation complete

Recommendation 3 

Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
113.8	Complete	Government	In full

Recommendation 

That the government bring responsibility for the functions relating to fire safety currently exercised by MHCLG, the Home Office and the Department for Business and Trade into one department under a single Secretary of State.

What we have done 

Following the Inquiry’s recommendation to bring all fire safety functions under one Secretary of State, we set about work to bring colleagues from the Home Office to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. 

On the 1 April 2025 a formal machinery of government change took effect with all fire functions reporting to one Secretary of State from that date, thus going further than the Inquiry’s recommendation to transfer fire safety functions only; this was followed by the full staff transfer on 1 July, and the final transfer of budgets in January 2026. 

This recommendation is complete bar the final parliamentary supplementary debates. This recommendation has therefore been closed subject to those debates taking place.

Recommendation 4 

Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
113.9	In progress	Government	In full

Recommendation 

That the Secretary of State appoint a Chief Construction Adviser with a sufficient budget and staff to provide advice on all matters affecting the construction industry, including: 

• monitoring all aspects of the department’s work relating to Building Regulations and statutory guidance, 
• providing advice to the Secretary of State on request, and 
• bringing to the attention of the Secretary of State any matters affecting the Building Regulations and statutory guidance or matters affecting the construction industry more generally of which the government should be aware.

What we have done 

In our May 2025 progress report, we set out our plans to establish a Chief Construction Adviser role to raise standards, improve behaviours and rebuild trust across the built environment sector. To allow priority work to begin quickly, we appointed an interim adviser to focus on urgent areas such as the design and implementation of the single regulator, finalising the responsibilities of the substantive role, and planning for the appointment of a substantive advisory role in 2026. 

In September 2025, the Minister for Building Safety appointed Thouria Istephan as Interim Chief Construction Adviser for a period of 12 months. This interim appointment, made through a direct ministerial process and on a part‑time basis, has enabled expert leadership to be put in place and vital work to begin while arrangements for the substantive role are developed 

As Interim Chief Construction Adviser, Thouria Istephan has provided expert, independent advice to the government on building safety and regulatory reform. Today, the Interim Chief Construction Adviser has issued a statement setting out their priorities and intentions to issue a report at the end of their term. 

The government intends to recruit a Chief Construction and Scientific Adviser (CCSA) by the end of 2026. This role will replace the Interim Chief Construction Adviser and MHCLG’s Chief Scientific Adviser. The new, unified role will: 

• Provide a single authoritative source of independent technical challenge to ministers and officials on issues relating to construction, science and engineering; 

• Strengthen the government’s decision making 

• Reduce fragmentation between policy design and delivery practice; and 

• Widen access to technical experts in different disciplines and enabling more efficient cross-government work on construction matters and through the government’s Chief Scientific Adviser network. 

We plan to launch the recruitment campaign for the role of Chief Construction and Scientific Adviser in March 2026, with the selected candidate expected to take up the post by the end of 2026.

Responsible department 

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government 

Responsible person 

Catherine Adams, Director, Buildings Management and Insight 

Implementation Timeline 

2025 

• Appointment of the interim Chief Construction Adviser. – Complete 

2026 

• Appointment of the Chief Construction and Scientific Adviser. (Q4)

Recommendations 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11 and 12 

Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
113.11	In progress	Government	In full
113.12	In progress	Government	In full
113.13	In progress	Government	In full
113.13	In progress	Government	In full
113.14	In progress	Government	In full
113.17	In progress	Government	In full
113.18	In progress	Government	In full

Recommendations 

5: That the statutory guidance generally, and Approved Document B in particular, be reviewed accordingly and a revised version published as soon as possible. 

6: We therefore recommend that a revised version of the guidance contain a clear warning in each section that the legal requirements are contained in the Building Regulations and that compliance with the guidance will not necessarily result in compliance with them. 

7: New materials and methods of construction and the practice of over cladding existing buildings make the existence of effective compartmentation a questionable assumption and we recommend that it be reconsidered when Approved Document B is revised. 

8: Calculating the likely rate of fire spread and the time required for evacuation, including the evacuation of those with physical or mental impairments, are matters for a qualified fire engineer. We do not think that it would be helpful to attempt to include in Approved Document B an indication of what would be acceptable because each building is different, but we recommend that the guidance draw attention to the need to make a calculation of that kind. 

9: That, as far as possible, membership of bodies advising on changes to the statutory guidance should include representatives of the academic community as well as those with practical experience of the industry (including fire engineers) chosen for their experience and skill and should extend beyond those who have served on similar bodies in the past. 

11: Assessing whether an external wall can support a particular evacuation strategy is difficult because the necessary information is not always available. We therefore recommend that steps be taken in conjunction with the professional and academic community to develop new test methods that will provide the information needed for such assessments to be carried out reliably. 

12: BS 9414 should be approached with caution and we recommend that the government make it clear that it should not be used as a substitute for an assessment by a suitably qualified fire engineer.

What we have done 

Since the government published its response to the Grenfell recommendations in February 2025, the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) has been taking forward the Fundamental Review of Building Regulations guidance. In July 2025, BSR established a six-member expert panel, bringing together academic, industry and technical expertise to oversee and challenge the development of proposals. Engagement with stakeholders has been sustained and supplements commissioned research. An interim report is expected in spring 2026. This work has focused on improving the structure and usability of statutory guidance, while ensuring relevant recommendations from Phase 2 of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry (recommendations 5 to 12) are addressed in a coherent and proportionate way.

Responsible department 

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government 

Responsible person 

Kate O’Neill, Director, Buildings Design and Construction 

Implementation Timeline

2026: 

• Launch consultation on changes to Approved Document B. (Q2) 

• Analyse consultation responses and begin drafting recommendations. (Q3) 

• Publish recommendations to update Approved Document B. (Q4) 

• Complete Fundamental Review of Building Regulations guidance and set out next steps for implementation.

Recommendation 10 

Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
113.15	In progress	Government	In full

Recommendation 

That it be made a statutory requirement that a fire safety strategy produced by a registered fire engineer to be submitted with building control applications (at Gateway 2) for the construction or refurbishment of any higher-risk building and for it to be reviewed and re-submitted at the stage of completion (Gateway 3). Such a strategy must take into account the needs of vulnerable people, including the additional time they may require to leave the building or reach a place of safety within it and any additional facilities necessary to ensure their safety.

What we have done 

We have continued with engaging with industry and regulatory partners, to understand how any ‎change would work in practice and building an evidence base to support any potential ‎changes. However, throughout this engagement we have identified different perspectives on how ‎to achieve strengthened fire safety requirements without mandating a fire safety strategy to be ‎submitted to the Building Safety Regulator. We are working on reviewing different options.‎ 

Any changes will require consultation and will need to balance safety, proportionality and delivery ‎considerations. There are already extensive requirements on dutyholders for higher-risk buildings in ‎relation to fire safety. Dutyholders must already have a fire and emergency file and a building ‎regulations compliance statement for every higher-risk building. These documents are submitted to ‎the Building Safety Regulator and must be kept updated and reflect any changes made during ‎construction of the higher-risk building. There are also specific requirements regarding the ‎handover of information to the person responsible for a higher-risk building in occupation. ‎ 

As set out in September, we noted any changes to building control application process for ‎higher-risk buildings, will need to align with progress on recommendations 15 to 18, which aim to ‎increase fire engineering capacity.

Responsible department 

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government 

Responsible person 

Kate O’Neill, Director, Buildings Design and Construction  

Implementation Timeline 

2025 

• Activities to ensure the higher-risk regime and current fire safety requirements are operating effectively – Complete 

• Initial engagement with stakeholders and the Fire Engineers Advisory Panel to understand scope to build on current fire safety requirements, taking into account system risks and capacity – Complete 

2026 

• Reviewing current operation of the higher-risk regime and the current fire safety requirements 

• Activities with regulatory partners to clarify the current fire safety requirements and how they support the safe occupation of higher-risk buildings. 

• Continued engagement with stakeholders to understand scope to build on current fire safety requirements, taking into account system risks and capacity. 

• Dependent on outcomes of work with stakeholders, potential consultation on revising requirements.‎ 

2029 (to align with recommendations 15, 16, 17 and 18) 

• Set out the requirement for a fire safety strategy in regulations. 

• Further progress dependent on fire engineer capacity and competence, which is dependent on recommendations 15 to 18.

Recommendation 13 

Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
113.22	In progress	Government	In principle

Recommendation 

That the construction regulator should be responsible for assessing the conformity of construction products with the requirements of legislation, statutory guidance and industry standards and issuing certificates as appropriate. We should expect such certificates to become pre-eminent in the market.

What we have done 

In February 2025, alongside the government response, we published a Construction Product Reform Green Paper setting out proposed reforms to the sector. We conducted detailed analysis of the responses and undertook engagement with the sector to develop more detailed proposals. 

Informed by this, the government has published the Construction Products Reform White Paper and a consultation on the details of a General Safety Requirement alongside this report. The white paper sets out the government’s response to the green paper and next steps for long term system-wide reform. The General Safety Requirement consultation sets out the proposed approach to bring unregulated products into the regulatory regime.

Responsible department 

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government 

Responsible person 

Kate O’Neill, Director, Buildings Design and Construction  

Implementation Timeline 

2025 

• Review Construction Products Reform Green Paper consultation responses. – Complete 

2026 

• Publication of Construction Products Reform White Paper before spring – Complete 

2027 to 2029 (when Parliamentary time allows) 

• Introduction of primary legislation. 

• Introduction of secondary legislation. 

2028 to 2029 

• Legislative framework complete. Single regulator (recommendation 1) established. Implementation and transition begins.

Recommendation 14 

Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
113.23	In progress	Government	In principle

Recommendation 

• that copies of all test results supporting any certificate issued by the construction regulator be included in the certificate 

• that manufacturers be required to provide the construction regulator with the full testing history of the product or material to which the certificate relates and inform the regulator of any material circumstances that may affect its performance 

• manufacturers be required by law to provide on request copies of all test results that support claims about fire performance made for their products

What we have done 

In February 2025, alongside the government response, we published a Construction Product Reform Green Paper setting out proposed reforms to the sector. We conducted detailed analysis of the responses and undertook engagement with the sector to develop more detailed proposals. 

Informed by this, the government has published the Construction Products Reform White Paper and a consultation on the details of a General Safety Requirement alongside this report. The white paper sets out the government’s response to the green paper and next steps for long term system-wide reform. The General Safety Requirement consultation sets out the proposed approach to bring unregulated products into the regulatory regime.

Responsible department 

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government 

Responsible person 

Kate O’Neill, Director, Buildings Design and Construction 

Implementation Timeline 

2025 

• Review Construction Products Reform Green Paper consultation responses. – Complete 

2026 

• Publication of Construction Products Reform White Paper before spring – Complete 

2027 to 2029 (when Parliamentary time allows) 

• Introduction of primary legislation. 

• Introduction of secondary legislation. 

2028 to 2029 

• Legislative framework complete. Single regulator (recommendation 1) established. Implementation and transition begins. 

Recommendations 15, 16, 17 and 18 

Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
113.25	In progress	Government	In full
113.25	In progress	Government	In full
113.27	Complete	Government	In full
113.28	In progress	Government	In full

Recommendation 

15: That the profession of fire engineer be recognised and protected by law and that an independent body be established to regulate the profession, define the standards required for membership, maintain a register of members and regulate their conduct. 

16: That the government take urgent steps to increase the number of places on high-quality master’s level courses in fire engineering accredited by the professional regulator. 

17: That the government convene a group of practitioner and academic fire engineers and such other professionals as it thinks fit to produce an authoritative statement of the knowledge and skills to be expected of a competent fire engineer. Such a statement would also enable others in the construction industry to understand better the nature and importance of a fire engineer’s work. 

18: That the government, working in collaboration with industry and professional bodies, encourage the development of courses in the principles of fire engineering for construction professionals and members of the fire and rescue services as part of their continuing professional development.

What we have done 

Throughout the year we have made progress toward regulating the fire engineering profession. In May we engaged a panel of industry and academic, and regulatory experts to advise on the expectations of a competent fire engineer and the implementation of the recommendations. 

By September, the panel had begun drafting an authoritative statement, with engagement across professional bodies, fire and rescue services and commercial organisations, and in December, we published the authoritative statement alongside a next steps paper. The papers set out key principles for future regulation and outline how we intend to take forward reform, informing future consultations and implementation planning. 

Recommendation 17 is complete and has been fully discharged.

Responsible department 

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government 

Responsible person 

Kate O’Neill, Director, Buildings Design and Construction 

Implementation timeline 

2025

• Government sets out plans for next steps on the recommendations concerning the fire engineer profession. – Complete 

2026

• Public consultation on reform to the fire engineering profession. (Recommendation 15) 

• Funding mechanism established (subject to Spending Review). (Recommendation 16) 

• Sufficient progress made on recommendations 15, 16, and 17 to enable identification of a suitable approach to courses for other construction professionals. (Recommendation 18) 

2027

• Delivery of recommendation 16 begins to increase capacity in the sector to allow for regulation (subject to Spending Review). (Recommendation 15) 

• New course delivery. (Recommendation 16) 

• Implementation begins. (Recommendations 18) 

2027 to 2029 (when Parliamentary time allows)

• Introduction of primary legislation. (Recommendation 15) 

• Implementation begins. (Recommendations 15)

Recommendation 19 

Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
113.30	In progress	Architects Registration Board (ARB) and Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)	In full

Recommendation 

We recognise that both the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) have taken steps since the Grenfell Tower fire to improve the education and training of architects. We recommend that they should review the changes already made to ensure they are sufficient in the light of our findings.

What we have done 

We have monitored and supported progress made by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) in reviewing changes to their education and training requirements. In May, the ARB confirmed it was content with and had reviewed its changes in light of the recommendations and would keep them under review during implementation. RIBA committed to review their changes while also taking into account the work of ARB on the required training of architects.

RIBA update 

Since the Grenfell Tower fire, RIBA has delivered a major programme of reforms to strengthen architectural education, professional standards, and competence, with a focus on health and life safety and ethical practice. In line with recommendation 19, RIBA continues to review and build on earlier changes to ensure they remain sufficient in light of the Inquiry’s findings. Most remaining work will conclude in 2026, with only the review of the Code of Professional Conduct expected to continue into 2027. 

RIBA has paused revisions to its Code of Professional Conduct until ARB’s guidance on its recently updated Architects Code is released in full, to avoid inconsistency. Work is underway on an updated Code of Practice for Chartered Practices, focusing on competence, employment culture, sustainability and ethical practice, due by end of 2026. 

The revised RIBA Education and Professional Development Framework, approved in 2025, strengthens requirements around ethical practice, health and life safety, and sustainability across Parts 1–3. Updated professional attributes will be consulted on in 2026 and integrated into course validation later that year. RIBA is also redeveloping the PEDR system (an online system for recording professional experience development for students) and aligning CPD (Continuing Professional Development) requirements with the updated framework. 

Further work includes new guidance for members, expansion of the Principal Designer Register, updated tools on Building Regulations compliance, specification writing, construction product safety, whole-life carbon, and challenging poor behaviour. Pilot tests for new mandatory competences in ethical practice and climate literacy will begin this year.

Implementation Timeline 

2026 

• Launch consultation on updated Part 3 professional attributes for chartered membership. (Q2) 

• RIBA Net Zero Carbon advanced course will be reviewed. (Q2) 

• Publication of Client Guide to Building Regulations alongside a Design Responsibility Matrix. (Q2) 

• Update Validation Procedures on the basis of the new Education and Professional Development Framework. (Q3) 

• Complete a review of the RIBA Code of Practice for Chartered Practices. (Q4) 

• Update the core CPD curriculum in accordance with the new Education and Professional Development Framework, which will come into force in 2027. (Q4) 

• Pilot test new mandatory competence tests on Ethical Practice and Climate Literacy. (Q4) 

• Continue to add to our library of CPD courses across all core curriculum topics and develop the programme for 2027 in response to the updated Education and Professional Development Framework. (Q4)

Recommendation 20 

Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
113.31	In progress	Government	In full

Recommendation 

That it be made a statutory requirement that an application for building control approval in relation to the construction or refurbishment of a higher-risk building (Gateway 2) be supported by a statement from a senior manager of the principal designer under the Building Safety Act 2022 that all reasonable steps have been taken to ensure that on completion the building as designed will be as safe as is required by the Building Regulations.

What we have done 

In last year, the government has prioritised work to improve operation of the Building Safety ‎Regulator (BSR) and the delivery of the higher-risk regime. We have reviewed options on how we could ‎make it a statutory requirement for Gateway 2 applications to be supported by statement from the ‎senior manager of the principal designer. ‎ 

In 2026, we will work on clarifying existing duties to build confidence within the sector. We are ‎working with the BSR to address issues raised about the current regime’s ‎effectiveness. We recognise that the sector has faced many changes recently and understand the ‎need for clarity on existing duties. We want to ensure any future enhancements are ‎realistic, proportionate and deliverable.‎ 

We will also continue work to understand whether a statement from a senior manager is the best ‎way to achieve greater accountability or whether there are other options to ensure accountability at a senior ‎level in principal designer organisations. We will also review how the dutyholder duties operate in ‎practice and work with stakeholders to understand best practice within the sector. ‎

Responsible department 

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government 

Responsible person 

Kate O’Neill, Director, Buildings Design and Construction 

Implementation Timeline 

2025 

• Begin scoping an interim product (i.e. voluntary scheme) as pathway to mandating the recommendations and start stakeholder engagement – Complete 

2026 

• Continue scoping an interim product (i.e. voluntary scheme) as pathway to mandating the recommendations and further stakeholder engagement. 

• Action interim product. 

• Establish timeline for public consultation and prepare draft consultation for final product to implement recommendation ahead of secondary legislation and implementation. 

2027 to 2029 (when Parliamentary time allows) 

• Consultation. 

• Secondary legislation laid in Parliament to introduce recommendation if needed.

Recommendation 21 

Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
113.33	In progress	Government	In full

Recommendation 

That a licensing scheme operated by the construction regulator be introduced for principal contractors wishing to undertake the construction or refurbishment of higher-risk buildings and that it be a legal requirement that any application for building control approval for the construction or refurbishment of a higher-risk building (Gateway 2) be supported by a personal undertaking from a director or senior manager of the principal contractor to take all reasonable care to ensure that on completion and handover the building is as safe as is required by the Building Regulations.

What we have done 

We are working on developing the policy framework for the licensing scheme. We have analysed the findings from stakeholder engagements held last year to shape proposals on the design of the licensing scheme. 

In parallel, we are advancing work to align the requirements under recommendations 20 and 21. This includes the introduction of a personal undertaking or statement from a director or senior manager, confirming they have taken all reasonable care to ensure that, on completion, the building complies with the Building Regulations. 

We are continuing our work on the review of the dutyholder regime. This review will help us understand how the current system is functioning across the sector. The review’s findings will play a key role in informing the design of the licensing scheme for recommendation 21. 

In 2026, we will launch a call for evidence to gather feedback on proposals aimed at reforming the built environment professions, including introducing licensing requirements for principal contractors.

Responsible department 

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government 

Responsible person 

Kate O’Neill, Director, Buildings Design and Construction 

Implementation Timeline 

2026 

• Findings of the dutyholder regime review are published. 

• Government will launch a call for evidence to gather feedback on proposals aimed at reforming the built environment professions, including introducing licensing requirements for principal contractors. 

2027 to 2029 (when Parliamentary time allows) 

• Introduction of primary legislation. 

• Introduction of secondary legislation. 

2028 to 2029 

• Legislative framework complete. Single regulator (recommendation 1) established. Implementation and transition begins.

Recommendations 22 and 23 

Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
113.37	In progress	Government	In full
113.38	In progress	Government	In full

Recommendations 

22: That the government appoint an independent panel to consider whether it is in the public interest for building control functions to be performed by those who have a commercial interest in the process.

23: We recommend that the same panel consider whether all building control functions should be performed by a national authority.

What we have done 

In May 2025, we announced, a panel chaired by Dame Judith Hackitt which included three members from the Industry Safety Steering Group (Dr David Snowball, Elaine Bailey and Ken Rivers) and Rt Hon Nick Raynsford. 

As published in June, the panel’s terms of reference and membership set out scope and approach; in July, a problem statement and call for evidence were issued. In September we reported that the panel was reviewing responses and drafting its interim report; in December, we announced the panel’s commitment to publish their report in the following months, with government planning to issue a formal response in 2026. The panel is developing recommendations for publication in the coming months. 

Responsible department 

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government 

Responsible person 

Kate O’Neill, Director, Buildings Design and Construction 

Implementation Timeline 

2025 

• Building Control Independent Panel undertake review. – Complete 

2026 

• Panel to publish full report. (Q2) 

• Government to respond to the full report and set out plans for next steps. (Q2)

Recommendation 24 

Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
113.39	In progress	Government	In full

Recommendation 

We have referred to the Cladding Materials Library set up by the University of Queensland, which could form the basis of a valuable source of information for designers of buildings in general. We recommend that the construction regulator sponsor the development of a similar library, perhaps as part of a joint project with the University of Queensland, to provide a continuing resource for designers. 

What we have done 

Alongside the government response, in February 2025, we published the Construction Products Reform Green Paper. The green paper explored how best to facilitate a construction library. It set out how we might go further than the Inquiry’s recommendation and include a wider range of product information to help ensure the safe selection of products. We also used the consultation and wider engagement to gather views on how to provide clear and trusted information, and the library’s scope and users. 

Views have informed proposals included in the Construction Products Reform White Paper, which has been published alongside this report. Most respondents to the Green Paper supported the intention to develop a construction library. There were a range of interpretations of what might be most effective from a comprehensive product database through to a targeted hub. Challenges were also identified around implementation. 

We will support development of a construction library, working with industry. Our ambition is to develop digital services that provide clear, accurate, and honest product information without duplication or confusion, recognising the sector’s varied digital maturity. We propose a phased approach, starting with ensuring the national regulator has the digital capability for market surveillance, improving transparency on tests for products using third-party certification schemes, and exploring options for a digital platform or database if needed, alongside simplifying access to regulatory guidance and fire safety information. 

Responsible department 

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government 

Responsible person 

Kate O’Neill, Director, Buildings Design and Construction 

Implementation Timeline 

2025 

• Review Construction Products Reform Green Paper consultation responses. – Complete 

2026 

• Publication of Construction Products Reform White Paper before spring – Complete 

2027 to 2029 (when Parliamentary time allows) 

• Introduction of primary legislation if needed. 

• Secondary legislation laid to underpin digital services. 

2028 to 2029 

• Legislative framework complete. Implementation of digital services. 

Recommendation 25 

Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
113.40	Complete	Government	In principle

Recommendation 

That it be made a legal requirement for the government to maintain a publicly accessible record of recommendations made by select committees, coroners and public inquiries together with a description of the steps taken in response. If the government decides not to accept a recommendation, it should record its reasons for doing so. Scrutiny of its actions should be a matter for Parliament, to which it should be required to report annually. 

What we have done 

We have created a publicly accessible record on GOV.UK of inquiry recommendations and the government’s responses. 

In our May progress report, we announced plans to publish the dashboards to record recommendations from public inquiries since 2024. The first dashboards, covering Phase 2 of the Grenfell Tower and the Infected Blood Inquiry recommendations, were launched in the summer. By September, we confirmed that the dashboards would be expanded and updated regularly. 

At the end of 2025, the dashboards also included the Manchester Arena and COVID‑19 Inquiries, with updates to the dashboards happening on a quarterly basis. 

We will continue to review the need for legislation while maintaining and improving the dashboards to support transparency and public scrutiny. 

The recommendation is now complete and has been fully discharged.

Implementation Timeline 

2025 

• Establish a publicly accessible record on GOV.UK that includes all inquiry recommendations made from 2024 onwards. This will include the government’s response to each inquiry and progress updates on implementation. The record will be updated quarterly starting from July 2025. – Complete

Recommendation 26 

Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
113.41	In progress	Government	In full

Recommendation 

That the government establish a system of mandatory accreditation to certify the competence of fire risk assessors by setting standards for qualification and continuing professional development and such other measures as may be considered necessary or desirable. We think it necessary for an accreditation system to be mandatory in order to ensure the competence of all those who offer their services as fire risk assessors.

What we have done 

Government accepted recommendation 26 of the Inquiry in full, committing to legislate to make it a mandatory requirement for those offering their services as fire risk assessors to have the competence to perform this critical role independently verified by an accredited Certification Body. We have developed cross-government, four nations and sector advisory groups which meet regularly to support delivery of this recommendation. 

The British Standards Institution published ‘BS 8674:2025 Built Environment – Framework for Competence of Individual Fire Risk Assessors - Code of Practice’ in August 2025. This British Standard is an important step forward for the profession, setting out industry’s expectations of fire risk assessors. 

In the Single Construction Regulator Prospectus published in December 2025, we committed to consulting on proposals for the future of the fire risk assessor profession. We expect to publish this consultation in early 2026. Informed by consultation findings, we will introduce primary legislation when parliamentary time allows.

Responsible department 

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government 

Responsible person 

Peter Lee, Director, Fire Policy 

Implementation Timeline 

2026 

• Consultation launch. (Q2) 

2027 to 2029 (when Parliamentary time allows) 

• Introduction of primary legislation. 

2028 to 2029 

• Single regulator established. 

• Subject to the delivery approach taken, further work may be required outlining the sector-specific requirements for mandatory accreditation to certify the competency of fire risk assessors. 

Recommendation 27 

Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
113.43	In progress	Government	In full

Recommendation 

We are not in a position to determine whether greater standardisation of the fire control switches and keys is required. We therefore recommend that the government seeks urgent advice from the Building Safety Regulator and the National Fire Chiefs Council on the nature and scale of the problem and the appropriate response to it.

What we have done 

In April, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) created an action and delivery plan after surveying fire and rescue services and setting a baseline. 

By September, as outlined in our update, we reported that NFCC had reviewed relevant regulations, guidance, and standards, agreed a position through its Protection Committee, and drafted proposals for changes. These proposals included promoting consistent testing, ensuring access to lift keys, and as supported from the Lift and Escalators Industry Association, omitting car key switches in new firefighters’ lifts. 

In October, as reported in our December update, NFCC confirmed with the Building Safety Regulator that it would consider the NFCC position and handle the matter internally. Approval to publish updated national guidance relating to lift keys was obtained at the Operational Preparedness, Response and Resilience Committee, following endorsement by the Operational Guidance Forum. The guidance went live on 23 October. 

Now that the amended guidance has been published, the NFCC Organisational Learning Team will review and update related learning materials. This is expected to be completed before the end of March 2026.

Responsible department 

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government 

Responsible person 

Peter Lee, Director, Fire Policy 

Implementation Timeline 

2025 

• Consider feedback from the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Protection Committee and submit position to Building Safety Regulator. – Complete 

• Review of current Operational Guidance relating to 7(2)(d). – Complete 

• Present any changes of the Operational Guidance to the NFCC Operational Guidance Forum for approval. – Complete 

2026 

• Review changes made to guidance and update learning materials. 

Recommendation 28 

Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
113.44	In progress	Government	In principle

Recommendation 

That every gas transporter be required by law to check the accessibility of each such valve on its system at least once every three years and to report the results of that inspection to the Health and Safety Executive as part of its gas safety case review.

What we have done 

By May 2025, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) had gathered information on pipeline isolation valve (PIV) access challenges experienced by network operators, informing initial options to address issues highlighted by the recommendation. 

By September, HSE’s Operations and Regulation Committee (ORCo) had agreed on a preferred approach, and approved a delivery plan for stakeholder engagement which aims to improve assurance on PIV access. and clarify stakeholder roles and responsibilities. 

By December, HSE had engaged with network operators to establish a baseline on PIV access and existing barriers.  

Data received from the network operators is being analysed to inform targeted engagement with stakeholders who may have an influence over the accessibility of PIVs. 

Following completion of the data analysis in February 2026, HSE will establish a baseline of pipeline access issues. This will inform targeted stakeholder engagement which will commence from March 2026. The approach, scale and duration of any such engagement will be informed by the data analysis.

Responsible department 

Health and Safety Executive 

Responsible person 

Rick Brunt, Director, Engagement and Policy 

Implementation Timeline 

2025 

• HSE is engaging with pipeline operators to establish a clear baseline of pipeline isolation valve access and existing barriers. HSE has requested data from operators by the 31st of December 2025. – Complete 

2026 

• Analysis of data from the network operators to establish a baseline of pipeline isolation valve access issues. (Q1)

• Initiation of targeted stakeholder engagement to clarify roles, responsibilities and actions to secure pipeline isolation valve access. The approach, scale and duration of any engagement will be informed by the data analysis. (Q2)