Policy paper

Implementation timeline for Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommendations

Updated 30 September 2025

Introduction

The implementation timeline lists key milestones for each recommendation and when we expect each recommendation to be completed. It will be updated quarterly to reflect progress and incorporate new milestones, alongside the progress reports.

Many of the timescales are affected by additional factors, such as stakeholder engagement, consultation, and legislation which is subject to Parliamentary time. As a result, timescales may need to be adjusted to reflect this.

We remain committed to working as quickly as possible to deliver all Phase 2 and outstanding Phase 1 recommendations, while also ensuring that we achieve the best possible outcomes for the public.

The construction industry

Recommendation 1

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
1	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. 

Timeline for delivery 

2025  

• Publication of the regulation of the built environment prospectus. 

• Secondary legislation laid in Parliament to make changes to the Building Safety Regulator and establish a new body.

2026

• Response to prospectus published. 

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 

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
2	113.7	In progress	Government	In full

Recommendation

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

Timeline for delivery  

2025 

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

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

Recommendation 3 

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
3	113.8	In progress	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.

Timeline for delivery  

2025

• Final milestone – transfer of budgets from Home Office to MHCLG.

Recommendation 4

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
4	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.

Timeline for delivery  

2026

• Appointment of the permanent Chief Construction Adviser.

Recommendation 5

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
5	113.11	In progress	Government	In full

Recommendation 

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

Timeline for delivery  

2025  

• Consultation on changes to Approved Document B in the autumn.

2026

• Recommendations made to update Approved Document B.

• Fundamental review of Building Regulations guidance.

Recommendation 6

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
6	113.12	In progress	Government	In full

Recommendation 

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.

Timeline for delivery  

2025  

• Consultation on changes to Approved Document B in the autumn.

2026  

• Recommendations made to update Approved Document B.

• Fundamental review of Building Regulations guidance.

Recommendation 7

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
7	113.13	In progress	Government	In full

Recommendation

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.

Timeline for delivery  

2025  

• Consultation on changes to Approved Document B in the autumn.

2026

• Recommendations made to update Approved Document B.

• Fundamental review of Building Regulations guidance.

Recommendation 8

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
8	113.13	In progress	Government	In full

Recommendation 

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.

Timeline for delivery  

2025  

• Consultation on changes to Approved Document B in the autumn.

2026

• Recommendations made to update Approved Document B.

• Fundamental review of Building Regulations guidance.

Recommendation 9

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
9	113.14	In progress	Government	In full

Recommendation

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.

Timeline for delivery

2025

• Consultation on changes to Approved Document B in the autumn.

2026

• Recommendations made to update Approved Document B.

• Fundamental review of Building Regulations guidance.

Recommendation 10

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
10	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.

Timeline for delivery  

2025

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

• 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.

2026 to 2027

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

• Continued engagement (potentially consultation) 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.

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 11

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
11	113.18	In progress	Government	In full

Recommendation 

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.

Timeline for delivery  

2025

• Consultation on changes to Approved Document B in the autumn.

2026

• Recommendations made to update Approved Document B.

• Fundamental review of Building Regulations guidance.

Recommendation 12

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
12	113.18	In progress	Government	In full

Recommendation 

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.

Timeline for delivery  

2025

• Consultation on changes to Approved Document B in the autumn.

2026

• Recommendations made to update Approved Document B.

• Fundamental review of Building Regulations guidance.

Recommendation 13

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
13	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.

Timeline for delivery  

2025

• Review Construction Products Reform Green Paper consultation responses.

2026

• Publication of Construction Products White Paper.

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

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
14	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.

Timeline for delivery  

2025

• Review Construction Products Reform Green Paper consultation responses.

2026

• Publication of Construction Products White Paper.

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 15

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
15	113.25	In progress	Government	In full

Recommendation 

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.

Timeline for delivery  

2025

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

2026

• Public consultation on reform to the fire engineering profession.

2027

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

2027 to 2029 (when Parliamentary time allows)

• Introduction of primary legislation.

• Implementation begins.

Recommendation 16

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
16	113.25	In progress	Government	In full

Recommendation 

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.

Timeline for delivery  

2025

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

2026

• Funding mechanism established (subject to Spending Review).

2027

• New course delivery.

Recommendation 17

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
17	113.27	In progress	Government	In full

Recommendation 

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.

Timeline for delivery  

2025

• Fire Engineers Advisory Panel meets.

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

• Publication of authoritative statement by the end of 2025.

Recommendation 18

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
18	113.28	In progress	Government	In full

Recommendation 

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.

Timeline for delivery  

2025

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

2026

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

2027

• Implementation begins.

Recommendation 19

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
19	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.

Timeline for delivery  

2026

• The Royal Institute of British Architects completes their review of changes made since the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

Recommendation 20

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
20	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.

Timeline for delivery  

2025

• Industry engagement to understand the impacts of the recommendation.

2026

• Establish timeline for public consultation ahead of secondary legislation and implementation.

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

Recommendation 21

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
21	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.

Timeline for delivery  

2026

• Findings of the dutyholder regime review are published.

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 22

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
22	113.37	In progress	Government	In full

Recommendation 

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.

Timeline for delivery  

2025

• Building Control Independent Panel undertake review.

• Panel intend to publish interim report.

2025 to 2026

• Government to respond to the interim report in winter.

2026

• Panel to publish full report.

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

Recommendation 23

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
23	113.38	In progress	Government	In full

Recommendation 

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

Timeline for delivery  

2025

• Building Control Independent Panel undertake review.

• Panel intend to publish interim report.

2025 to 2026

• Government to respond to the interim report in winter.

2026

• Panel to publish full report.

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

Recommendation 24

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
24	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.

Timeline for delivery  

2025

• Review Construction Products Reform Green Paper consultation responses.

2026

• Publication of Construction Products White Paper.

2027 to 2029 (when Parliamentary time allows)

• Introduction of primary legislation if needed.

• Secondary legislation laid to underpin construction library.

2028 to 2029

• Legislative framework complete. Implementation of construction library.

Recommendation 25

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
25	113.40	In progress	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.

Timeline for delivery  

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.

Recommendation 26

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
26	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.

Timeline for delivery  

2025

• Consultation launch.

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

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
27	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.

Timeline for delivery  

2025

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

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

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

2026

• Review changes made to guidance relating to 7(2)(d).

Recommendation 28

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
28	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.

Timeline for delivery  

2025

• Development of delivery plan with a focus on consulting on and delivering practical actions.

• Industry and wider stakeholder engagement to establish baselines.

2026

• Targeted work to clarify roles, responsibilities and actions to secure pipeline isolation valve access, subject to industry and stakeholder engagement.

Fire and rescue services

Recommendation 29

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
29	113.51	In progress	Government	In principle

Recommendation 

That the government establish [an independent College of Fire and Rescue] immediately with sufficient resources to provide the following services nationally:

• practical training at all levels supplementary to that provided by individual fire and rescue services

• education in the form of lectures and seminars on different aspects of the work of the fire and rescue services in order to share experience and promote good practice

• research into matters that may affect the work of the fire and rescue services, including major fires

• the development of equipment, policies and procedures suitable for ensuring the effectiveness of fire and rescue services nationally and the safety of firefighters and the public

• setting and maintaining national standards of managerial competence for senior managers, including control room managers, and providing management training for, and regular assessment of, senior ranks by reference to such standards.

Timeline for delivery  

2025

• Publication of consultation to gather views on the aims, functions, delivery model and funding model for a college of fire and rescue.

2026

• Public consultation closes.

• Government to publish response to the public consultation. This will set out the college model we are looking to deliver.

2027

• Organisational design work to determine the organisational form and governance arrangements for the college.

2027 to 2029 (when Parliamentary time allows)

• Introduction of primary legislation.

2028 to 2029

• Implementation of solution to deliver college functions begins.

Recommendation 30

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
30	113.53	In progress	Government	In principle

Recommendation 

That [the college] should have a permanent staff of sufficient size to manage its operations and develop its functions in response to the demands of fire and rescue services nationally and the requirements of the board. The college will need access to permanent facilities, including facilities for practical training and education. We envisage that much of the training and education will be delivered and led by firefighters of suitable experience drawn as the occasion requires from fire and rescue services around the country.

Timeline for delivery  

2025

• Publication of consultation to gather views on the aims, functions, delivery model and funding model for a college of fire and rescue.

2026

• Public consultation closes.

• Government to publish response to the public consultation. This will set out the college model we are looking to deliver.

2027

• Organisational design work to determine the organisational form and governance arrangements for the college.

2027 to 2029 (when Parliamentary time allows)

• Introduction of primary legislation.

2028 to 2029

• Implementation of solution to deliver college functions begins.

Recommendation 31

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
31	113.55	In progress	His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS)	In full

Recommendation 

That His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (“the Inspectorate”) inspect the London Fire Brigade as soon as reasonably possible to assess and report on:

• the extent to which the control room is now integrated into the organisation

• the effectiveness of the arrangements for identifying the training needs of control room staff, delivering effective training and recording its outcomes

• the effectiveness of the control room generally

• the ability of the control room to handle a large number of concurrent requests for advice and assistance from people directly affected by fires or other emergencies

• the quality and effectiveness of the arrangements for communication between the control room and the incident commander.

Timeline for delivery  

2025

• Assess whether this recommendation has been discharged.

• Review the assessment and reports and decide whether any further action is required.

Recommendation 32

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
32	113.56	In progress	His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services	In full

Recommendation 

That as soon as reasonably possible the Inspectorate inspect the London Fire Brigade to examine and report on the arrangements it has in place for assessing the training of incident commanders at all levels and their continuing competence, whether by a process of revalidation or otherwise.

Timeline for delivery  

2025

• Assess whether this recommendation has been discharged.

• Review the assessment and reports and decide whether any further action is required.

Recommendation 33

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
33	113.57	In progress	His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services	In full

Recommendation 

That as soon as reasonably practicable the Inspectorate inspect the LFB to examine and report on its arrangements for collecting, storing and distributing information in accordance with section 7(2)(d) of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004, and in particular its arrangements for identifying high-risk residential buildings and collecting, storing and distributing information relating to them.

Timeline for delivery 

2025

• Review the assessment and reports and decide whether any further action is required.

Recommendation 34

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
34	113.58	In progress	London Fire Brigade (LFB)	In full

Recommendation 

That the London Fire Brigade establish effective standing arrangements for collecting, considering and effectively implementing lessons learned from previous incidents, inquests and investigations. Those arrangements should be as simple as possible, flexible and of a kind that will ensure that any appropriate changes in practice or procedure are implemented speedily.

Timeline for delivery  

2025

• Policy review of London Fire Brigade’s (LFB) Operational Learning Policy.

2026

• LFB to undertake assurance exercise as part of business assurance process.

Recommendation 35

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
35	113.59	In progress	Fire and rescue services (FRS)	In full

Recommendation 

That fire and rescue services that continue to use low power intrinsically safe radios as part of breathing apparatus consider reserving them only for situations in which there is a real risk of igniting flammable gases and generally using radios of higher power, particularly in high-rise buildings.

Timeline for delivery  

2025

• Development of workshop materials to better understand the current position of radio provision in fire and rescue services.

• Produce a report on the findings of previous research, and Organisational Learning cases.

• Fire and rescue services to supply any case studies and evaluation on the use of different radios and communication techniques.

• A learning case from fire and rescue services case studies and evaluation on the use of different radios and communication techniques will be generated.

2026

• Delivery of the radio provision in fire and rescue services workshops.

• Completion of the radio provision in fire and rescue services workshops.

Recommendation 36

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
36	113.60	In progress	Fire and rescue services (FRS)	In full

Recommendation 

That all fire and rescue services give consideration to providing all firefighters with digital radios.

Timeline for delivery  

2025

• Development of workshop materials to better understand the current position of radio provision in fire and rescue services.

• Produce a report on the findings of previous research, and Organisational Learning cases.

• Fire and rescue services to supply any case studies and evaluation on the use of different radios and communication techniques.

• A learning case from fire and rescue services case studies and evaluation on the use of different radios and communication techniques will be generated.

2026

• Delivery of the radio provision in fire and rescue services workshops.

• Completion of the radio provision in fire and rescue services workshops.

Recommendation 37

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
37	113.61	In progress	Fire and rescue services (FRS)	In full

Recommendation 

Since radio communications are inherently unreliable in certain environments, we recommend that firefighters be trained to respond appropriately to the loss of communications and to understand how to restore them.

Timeline for delivery  

2025

• Review and propose changes to current national operational guidance relating to the loss of communications and how to restore them.

• Review learning materials received from fire and rescue services and consider whether they should be shared on the fire and rescue services Learn platform.

• Agree the scope and content of additional material to supplement existing guidance relating to the loss of communications and how to restore them.

• Guidance and Learning Scrutiny Panel to approve draft supplementary product.

• Updated guidance and supplementary product to launch.

2026

• National Fire Chiefs Council to approve proposed changes to guidance.

• Publish updated national operational guidance relating to the loss of communications and how to restore them.

Recommendation 38

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
38	113.62	In progress	Fire and rescue services (FRS)	In full

Recommendation 

That basic training on the structure and operation of the water supply system, including the different types of hydrants in use and their functions, be given to all firefighters. Training should also be given on effective measures to increase water flow and pressure when necessary.

Timeline for delivery  

2025

• Review existing fire and rescue services learning materials relating to water supply systems, including the different types of hydrants.

• Develop options for changes to existing guidance, and, if applicable, whether National Fire Chiefs Council learning materials need to be developed.

• Updated guidance, and, if applicable, new learning materials relating to water supply systems, including the different types of hydrants.

• Review learning materials received from fire and rescue services and consider whether they should be shared on the fire and rescue services Learn platform.

Recommendation 39

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
39	113.63	In progress	Fire and rescue services (FRS)	In full

Recommendation 

That all fire and rescue services establish and periodically review an agreed protocol with the statutory water undertakers in their areas to enable effective communication between them in relation to the supply of water for firefighting purposes.

Timeline for delivery  

2025

• Review the current National Guidance Document on the Provision of Water for Firefighting owned by Water UK, if updates should be made, and whether ownership should be jointly held between the National Fire Chiefs Council and Water UK.

• Continue stakeholder engagement following the survey report to highlight the issues faced by fire and rescue service and create positive change.

Recommendation 40

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
40	113.64	In progress	British Standards Institution (BSI)	In full

Recommendation 

That the British Standards Institution amend BS 750 to include a description of the circumstances under which the flow coefficient to which it refers in paragraph 10.2 is to be measured.

Timeline for delivery  

2025

• Public consultation on draft amendments to BS 750 to begin.

• Closure of public consultation on draft amendments to BS 750.

• Updated BS 750 to be published.

Recommendation 41

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
41	113.65	In progress	National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC)	In full

Recommendation 

That the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) consider whether, and if so in what circumstances, firefighters should be discouraged from departing from their instructions on their own initiative and provide appropriate training in how to respond to a situation of that kind.

Timeline for delivery  

2025

• Review and propose changes to the current National Operational Guidance relating to the dynamic nature of firefighting (particularly by breathing apparatus crews) and the need for firefighters to be able to respond to changing circumstances and make decisions for their and other people’s safety.

• Agree content of learning materials to support updated guidance.

2026

• National Fire Chiefs Council subject matter advisers to approve proposed changes to National Operational Guidance.

• Publish updated guidance.

• Develop and draft learning materials to support updated guidance.

• Guidance Learning and Scrutiny Panel to approve learning materials.

• Publish learning materials to support updated guidance.

Response and recovery

Recommendation 42

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
42	113.67	In progress	Government	In full

Recommendation 

That the [Civil Contingencies] Act [2004] be reviewed and consideration be given to granting a designated Secretary of State the power to carry out the functions of a Category 1 responder in its place for a limited period of time.

Timeline for delivery  

2027

• Government to take a decision on ways to strengthen intervention when a Category 1 responder is failing to respond appropriately.

Recommendation 43

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
43	113.68	In progress	Government	In principle

Recommendation 

Regulation 23 of the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 (Contingency Planning) Regulations 2005 requires a Category 1 responder to have regard when making its plans to the activities of relevant voluntary organisations. We therefore recommend that the regulation be amended to require Category 1 responders to establish and maintain partnerships with the voluntary, community and faith organisations in the areas in which they are responsible for preparing for and responding to emergencies.

Timeline for delivery  

2025

• Government will undertake an impact evaluation on the implications of any changes to regulations, by the end of 2025.

2026

• The outcome of the consultation and impact assessment will inform the government’s decision on how to improve collaborative working, to support effective and inclusive emergency preparedness and response.

Recommendation 44

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
44	113.69	In progress	Government	In full

Recommendation 

The current guidance on preparing for emergencies is contained in several documents, all of which are unduly long and in some respects out of date. We recommend that the guidance be revised, reduced in length and consolidated in one document which lays greater emphasis on the need for those leading the response to consider the requirements for recovery, the need to identify vulnerable people, the importance of identifying and ensuring co-operation with voluntary, community and faith groups and is consistent with the Equality Act 2010.

Timeline for delivery  

2026

• Government will conclude a guidance review and set out the programme for a complete refresh.

Recommendation 45

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
45	113.69	In progress	Government	In full

Recommendation 

That regard for humanitarian considerations be expressly recognised by making it the ninth principle of effective response and recovery.

Timeline for delivery  

2026

• Working with relevant departments and local emergency planners, the government will develop suitable guidance.

Recommendation 46

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
46	113.70	In progress	Local authorities	In full

Recommendation 

Events demonstrated, however, that there is a need for a clearer understanding of the nature of the London Gold arrangements, in particular in situations in which a single borough is affected. We therefore recommend that the guidance on the operation of those arrangements be revised and that existing and newly appointed chief executives be given regular training to ensure they are familiar with its principles.

Timeline for delivery  

2025

• First Regional Gold Training Course to be delivered in autumn 2025.

2026

• Regional Gold Training incorporated into Annual Training Programme for financial year 2026 to 2027 in spring 2026.

• Next iteration of the London Local Authority Concept of Operations published in spring 2026.

Recommendation 47

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
47	113.71	In progress	Government	In full

Recommendation 

That local resilience forums adopt national standards to ensure effective training, preparation and planning for emergencies and adopt independent auditing schemes to identify deficiencies and secure compliance.

Timeline for delivery  

2026

• Government will work with local resilience forums (LRFs) to design and test a proposal for a new peer review protocol.

2027

• Government will implement the Stronger LRFs programme at all 38 LRFs in England.

• Government will update National Resilience Standards for LRFs.

Recommendation 48

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
48	113.71	In progress	Government	In principle

Recommendation 

That a mechanism be introduced for independently verifying the frequency and quality of training provided by local authorities and other Category 1 responders.

Timeline for delivery  

2026

• Government will scope a process for local authorities to report on the quality and frequency of training and development and test these with the sector in 2026 to 2027.

2027

• Government will update the National Resilience Standards for local resilience forums.

Recommendation 49

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
49	113.73	In progress	Local authorities	In full

Recommendation 

That local authorities train all their employees, including chief executives, to regard resilience as an integral part of their responsibilities.

Timeline for delivery  

2026

• Government, the UK Resilience Academy, the Local Government Association and Society of Local Authority Chief Executives and Senior Managers will pilot a resilience training offer to local authority chief executives and all relevant staff by spring 2026.

2027

• Government’s UK Resilience Academy, the Local Government Association and Society of Local Authority Chief Executives and Senior Managers will test a potential offer for all local authorities to access on training, based on learning from these pilots.

Recommendation 50

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
50	113.74	In progress	Local authorities	In full

Recommendation

Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) had no effective means of collecting and recording information about those who had been displaced from the tower and surrounding buildings, including those who were missing. Compiling reliable information of that kind is difficult and the challenges likely to be faced by local authority Category 1 responders will vary according to the nature of the emergency. We recommend that all local authorities devise methods of obtaining and recording information of that kind, if possible in electronic form, and practise putting them into operation under a variety of different circumstances.

Timeline for delivery  

2026

• Government will identify the appropriate way to highlight this in guidance that clarifies key duties on local authorities by the end of spring 2026.

Recommendation 51

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
51	113.75	In progress	Local authorities	In full

Recommendation

That all local authorities make such arrangements as are reasonably practicable for enabling them to place people in temporary accommodation at short notice and in ways that meet their personal, religious and cultural requirements. Such arrangements should, as far as possible, involve local providers of social housing. 

Timeline for delivery  

2026

• Government will identify the appropriate way to highlight this in guidance that clarifies key duties on local authorities by the end of spring 2026.

Recommendation 52

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
52	113.76	In progress	Local authorities	In full

Recommendation

That all local authorities include in their contingency plans arrangements for providing immediate financial assistance to people affected by an emergency. 

Timeline for delivery  

2026

• Government will identify the appropriate way to highlight this in guidance that clarifies key duties on local authorities by the end of spring 2026.

Recommendation 53

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
53	113.76	In progress	Local authorities	In full

That as part of their planning for emergencies local authorities give detailed consideration to the availability of key workers and the role they are expected to play so that suitable contingency arrangements can be made to ensure, as far as possible, continuity of support. 

Timeline for delivery  

2026

• Government will identify the appropriate way to highlight this in guidance that clarifies key duties on local authorities by the end of spring 2026.

Recommendation 54

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
54	113.77	In progress	Local authorities	In full

That as part of their emergency planning local authorities make effective arrangements for continuing communication with those who need assistance using the most suitable technology and a range of languages appropriate to the area.

Timeline for delivery  

2026

• Government will identify the appropriate way to highlight this in guidance that clarifies key duties on local authorities by the end of spring 2026.

Recommendation 55

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
55	113.78	In progress	Local authorities	In full

That all local authorities include in their plans for responding to emergencies arrangements for providing information to the public by whatever combination of modern methods of communication are likely to be most effective for the areas for which they are responsible. 

Timeline for delivery  

2026

• Government will identify the appropriate way to highlight this in guidance that clarifies key duties on local authorities by the end of spring 2026.

Vulnerable people and Phase 1

Recommendation 56

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
56	113.78	Complete	National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC)	In full

Recommendation 

That what in the past has been called by the police a “casualty bureau” be described in a way that makes it clear that it does not provide information to the public about people affected by the emergency.

Timeline for delivery  

• Recommendation complete.

Recommendation 57

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
57	113.82	In progress	Government	In full

Recommendation 

That further consideration be given to the recommendations made in the Phase 1 report in light of our findings in this report.

Timeline for delivery  

• The implementation of this recommendation is being done through the delivery of recommendations 59 to 61.

Recommendation 58

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
58	113.83	In progress	Government	In full

Recommendation 

That the advice contained in paragraph 79.11 of the LGA Guide be reconsidered.

Timeline for delivery  

2025

• This advice is to be replaced by the Residential PEEPs guidance, to be published in autumn 2025.

Recommendation 59

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
59	33.22.C	Complete	Government	In full

Recommendation 

That the owner and manager of every high-rise residential building be required by law to draw up and keep under regular review evacuation plans, copies of which are to be provided in electronic and paper form to their local fire and rescue service and placed in an information box on the premises.

Timeline for delivery

• Recommendation complete.

Recommendation 60

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
60	33.22.E	In progress	Government	In full

Recommendation 

That the owner and manager of every high-rise residential building be required by law to prepare personal emergency evacuation plans (PEEPs) for all residents whose ability to self-evacuate may be compromised (such as persons with reduced mobility or cognition).

Timeline for delivery  

2025

• Guidance to be published in autumn 2025.

2026 (when Parliamentary time allows)

• Introduction of primary legislation to complete one element of the policy.

Recommendation 61

Recommendation number	Inquiry reference	Status	Responsibility	Accepted
61	33.22.F	Complete	Government	In full

Recommendation

That the owner and manager of every high-rise residential building be required by law to include up-to-date information about persons with reduced mobility and their associated personal emergency evacuation plans (PEEPs) in the premises information box. 

Timeline for delivery  

• Recommendation complete.