Plans to establish a new Single Construction Regulator have been announced, aimed at bringing together standards for buildings, construction products and professionals under one regulatory body.
The proposals follow the first recommendation of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report, published in September 2024. The Inquiry called for the creation of a single construction regulator to address fragmentation and complexity within the current regulatory system governing the built environment.
The proposed regulator is intended to support a more coherent and effective building system, helping the industry deliver the homes the UK needs while improving outcomes for residents and building users. The government said the move would provide greater clarity and certainty for industry and investors, while creating a fairer system that rewards those who prioritise safety and quality.
Minister for Building Safety, Fire and Democracy Samantha Dixon said: “The plans set out today show how we are learning from the Grenfell tragedy and what we are doing to improve the effectiveness, consistency and efficiency of the construction sector and what we’re doing to make sure people’s homes are safe and good quality.
“The case for reform is strong – one regulator across the entire construction system will be better able to review evidence, identify risks, issues and opportunities, as well as support action with enforcement where it is necessary.”
Alongside the publication of a prospectus setting out the proposals, the government has launched a consultation seeking views from across the construction sector. Feedback will inform the final approach, with a full response to the consultation and further detail on regulatory reform due to be published in summer 2026.
Interim Chief Construction Advisor Thouria Istephan said: “This prospectus is the starting point for reform which delivers on the Grenfell Inquiry’s call for systemic change. The creation of a Single Construction Regulator will replace a fragmented system with one that prioritises safety, accountability, and clarity – integrating oversight of buildings, products, and professions.
“It’s about protecting lives, rebuilding trust, and fostering a culture where responsibility, accountability and quality come first.”
Andy Roe, Executive Chair of the Building Safety Regulator, said the transition would be carefully managed as the new body is established: “The journey toward a Single Regulator is a decisive and important step in strengthening building safety. Over the past few months, we have worked hard to speed up the application processes within the BSR for new high-rise residential buildings and are already seeing positive changes.”
The BSR’s role will evolve as we move to a new body, and in longer time toward the Single Regulator, through a carefully managed transition. Throughout this process, we will continue our commitment to collaboration, and delivering a regulatory system that keeps residents safe, and supports essential construction.
The consultation will remain open until 20 March 2026, with responses invited from individuals and organisations with an interest in the built environment. The findings will help shape the final proposals ahead of publication next summer.
The announcement coincides with the release of the government’s latest quarterly progress report on the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. This includes the publication of the Fire Engineers Authoritative Statement and Next Steps document, as well as the results of the Building Safety Regulator’s initial review into the definition of higher-risk buildings and plans for an ongoing review process.
