Related to this, the MHCLG has published a construction products reform green paper launching a consultation on the reform proposals to address the Inquiry’s recommendations. It closes on 21 May 2025.
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Building and Fire Safety
2025
February
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Further reading
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The BPF hosted a webinar with MHCLG on its plans for the introduction of the building safety levy in the Autumn 2025.
Further readingThe draft regulations with details of the levy rates are intended to be published later this month.
January
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The Government has updated its policy paper on the joint plan to accelerate developer-led remediation and improve resident experience.
Further readingThis includes provision for alternative dispute resolution to alleviate delays. Further guidance is expected by March 2025.
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The BPF have published commentary on the building safety levy due to come into effect in the Autumn.
Further readingThe BPF is hosting a joint webinar on the levy with MHCLG on 5 February.
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The Housing (Cladding Remediation) (Scotland) Act 2024 (Commencement) Regulations 2024 bring into force the provisions of the Housing (Cladding Remediation) (Scotland) Act 2024 on 6 January 2025 so far as not already in force.
Further reading -
The Building (Registered Building Control Approvers etc.) (Wales) Regulations 2024 come into force on 1 January 2025.
Further readingAmong other things, they largely revoke the Building (Approved Inspectors etc) Regulations 2010.
2024
December
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The Scottish Government has launched a consultation on fire safety regulations.
Further readingFollowing the tragic fire at Cameron House hotel in December 2017 and the subsequent fatal accident inquiry, the Scottish Government has undertaken a review of the outcomes of the inquiry through the Ministerial working group on building and fire safety. The amended regulations, standards and guidance developed through the consultation are intended to come into force in early 2026.
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The Building (Procedure)(Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2024 were made on 10 December 2024 but do not come into force until 31 March 2028.
Further readingThey amend the Building (Procedure) (Scotland) Regulations 2004 requiring an energy and environmental design statement to be provided when applying for a building warrant and an energy and environmental construction statement to be submitted with a completion certificate. Each must be kept in the building standards register.
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The Government announced its Remediation Acceleration Plan to increase the pressure on the sector to progress remediation works
Further readingIt has also announced that the Building Safety Levy will be brought into effect in Autumn 2025, to be charged on all new eligible residential buildings in England.
October
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The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 has amended Part 5 of the Building Safety Act 2022.
Essential Reading: Our InsightThe amendments include a new definition of ‘relevant steps’ which is used in the context of costs which cannot be charged to ‘qualifying leaseholders’ and is also used in connection with applications for remediation orders and remediation contribution orders.
September
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The Grenfell Tower Inquiry has published the Phase 2 report.
Further readingConcluding "that the fire at Grenfell Tower was the culmination of decades of failure by central government and other bodies in positions of responsibility in the construction industry to look carefully into the danger of incorporating combustible materials into the external walls of high-rise residential buildings and to act on information available to them".
Read more.
August
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New Regulations have been made to deal with initial notices for higher risk works issued before 1 October 2023 where the works were sufficiently progressed by 6 April 2024.
Further readingThe Regulations allow amendment notices to vary works to be given under s51A in those transitional cases. These Regulations came into force on 7 August 2024.
June
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The Housing (Cladding Remediation) (Scotland) Act 2024 received Royal Assent.
Further readingIt is introduced to reduce the risk to life from unsafe cladding on homes, giving Scottish Ministers powers to assess and remediate certain types of buildings with unsafe cladding, and powers to start a responsible developers scheme for contributions towards remediation costs from the building industry.
May
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The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 received Royal Assent on 24 May 2024 and makes certain changes to the Building Safety Act 2022 including:
Further reading- Allowing certain residents’ management companies and RTM companies to recover legal and professional costs of applying for remediation contribution orders through service charges;
- Modifying the provisions on the insolvency practitioner’s responsibilities when appointed in relation to a higher risk building or a relevant building under the Act.
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The Grenfell Tower Inquiry had written to core participants to inform them that the Phase 2 report will be published on Wednesday 4 September 2024.
Further reading -
The Housing (Cladding Remediation) (Scotland) Bill has been passed by the Scottish Parliament.
It was introduced to reduce the risk to life from unsafe cladding on homes. The Bill gives powers to Scottish Ministers to assess and remediate certain types of buildings with unsafe cladding. Scottish Ministers will need to record these assessments and any remediation works completed in a register. The Bill also allows Scottish Ministers to create a responsible developers scheme.
April
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The Government has published guidance on the planning prohibition which prohibits applicable persons from carrying out prohibited development as provided for in the Responsible Actors Scheme.
Further readingThere are currently no persons to whom prohibitions apply under the Building Safety (Responsible Actors Scheme and Prohibitions) Regulations 2023.
Read more.
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The BSR has announced that it will start directing Principal Accountable Persons (PAPs) to apply for their Building Assessment Certificate in April 2024.
Further readingPAPs will have 28 days to provide it. The BSR will be prioritising certain buildings in the first year.
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6 April marks the end of two transitional periods for building safety legislation.
Essential Reading: Our Insight -
The Building Safety Regulator has published new guidance for higher risk building (HRB) works.
Further readingThe guidance has been published as the industry approaches the end of the transitional period on 6 April 2024 and is relevant to those HRB projects which may be subject to the transitional provisions for the new HRB building control regime.
Read more: Transitional building control approval for new higher-risk buildings
March
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The Government has updated its guidance calling for second staircases in all new tall residential buildings over 18 metres.
Further readingThe published amendments to Approved Document B state that the changes will take effect on 30 September 2026 for use in England. The industry has been given a 30 months’ transitional period. They will not apply to works which have obtained building regulations approval before 30 September 2026 and either the building work to which it relates:
- has started and is sufficiently progressed before that day; or
- is started and is sufficiently progressed by 30 March 2028.
Read more: Calls for second staircases in all new tall residential buildings
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Following concerns raised by the industry over whether there will be enough registered building inspectors by the legal deadline, the HSE has announced a competence assessment extension.
Further readingThe extension period is 13 weeks from 6 April to 6 July 2024 to enable those who meet specific criteria to continue to operate in England. The deadline for completion of the registration as an RBI itself has not been extended i.e. they must have registered as a Class 1 inspector or higher by 6 April 2024 and not have failed the competence assessment. The Welsh Government has similarly allowed an extension but instead it is for 6 months.
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The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has announced the launch of the Fire Safety Reinsurance Facility.
Further readingIt is a joint initiative by McGill and Partners and the ABI and involves five major insurers: Allianz, Aviva, Axa, RSA, and Zurich. The ABI has said that the facility is "designed to enhance insurance availability for higher-risk residential buildings, including those facing fire safety issues that have been associated with combustible cladding". It is expected to be operational for three to five years during the remediation period, with a focus on multi-occupancy residential buildings facing fire safety issues.
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The Building (Restricted Activities and Functions) (Wales) Regulations 2024 were laid on 1 March and come into force in Wales on 6 April 2024.
Further readingThey prescribe the activities and functions of building control authorities and registered building control approvers which are restricted under sections 46A and 54B of the Building Act 1984.
February
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The Building (Approved Inspectors etc) (Amendment) (Wales) Regulations 2024 were made on 28 February and come into force in Wales on 6 April 2024.
Further readingThey amend the Building (Approved Inspectors etc) Regulations 2010 to implement Part 3 of the Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA 2022) in Wales.
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Second staircase guidance is to be published by the Building Safety Regulator in March 2024
Further readingAccording to Michael Gove's statement on the government's long-term plan for housing, making it clear the need for a second staircase in new multi-occupancy residential buildings that have a top occupied storey above 18 metres, and confirming that evacuation lifts will not be called for as a matter of course, providing housebuilders with the clarity they need to progress developments.
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The BSR has now published the Register of Higher Risk Buildings which includes details of the accountable person for a registered higher risk building.
Further readingUnsure who should be the accountable person? We have commented on the first FTT decision on the identity of the accountable person.
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The Building (Registered Building Control Approvers etc.) (England) Regulations 2024 were laid before Parliament on 1 February 2024 and will come into force on 6 April 2024.
Further readingThey consolidate and replace the Building (Approved Inspectors etc.) Regulations 2010, following amendments made to the Building Act 1984 by the Building Safety Act 2022.
January
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Guides to principal designers, principal contractors and accountable persons in relation to operating mandatory occurrence reporting systems and submitting notices and reports have been published.
Further readingThis is alongside the new service being opened for submitting such notices and reports to the HSE
Further reading:
Submit a mandatory occurrence notice and report
Operating a mandatory occurrence reporting system
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The Competence Steering Group has published a report ‘A Higher Bar - Achieving a Competence-led Built Environment’.
Further readingIt is the 3rd in the series of reports ('Raising the Bar' and ‘Setting the Bar’ were previously published), reporting the progress of the CSG since the last report.
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Hot on the heels of commencement no.6, the Building Safety Act 2022 (Commencement No. 7 and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2024 were made on 28 January 2024.
Further readingRegulation 2 brings into force on 6th April 2024 a number of provisions of the 2022 Act, amending the Building Act 1984 (c. 55) (“the 1984 Act”), which in particular provide for the transfer of approved inspectors to become registered building control approvers.
Regulations 3 to 6 set out transitional provisions, in particular to ensure that existing approved inspectors can continue to operate.
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The FTT has issued the first major decision on whether it is just and equitable to make remediation contribution orders (RCOs) in Triathlon Homes LLP v Stratford Village Development Partnership (1) Get Living Plc (2) and East Village Management Limited (3) [2024] UKFTT 26 (PC)
Essential Reading: Our Insight -
The Higher-Risk (Management of Safety Risks etc) (England) Regulations 2023 (SI 2023/907) came into force on 16 January 2024.
Further readingThese regulations provide further particulars of the in-occupation requirements set out in Part 4 of the BSA 2022 including provisions on the safety case approach to managing fire and structural safety in higher risk buildings and the ongoing management of the digital golden thread information.
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The Higher-Risk Buildings (Keeping and Provision of Information etc) (England) Regulations 2024 (SI 2024/41) came into force on 16 January 2024.
Further readingThey specify the information and documents that the principal accountable person and accountable persons must keep and share as ‘golden thread information’ with those who have an interest in relation to a higher-risk building.
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The Building Safety Act 2022 (Commencement No. 6) Regulations 2024 came into force on 16 January 2024.
Further readingThe Building Safety Act 2022 (Commencement No. 6) Regulations 2024 came into force on 16 January 2024. These regulations bring into force certain sections of Part 4 of the Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA 2022) which relate to the in-occupation regime under the Act.
These sections relate to the duties of an accountable person to assess and manage building safety risks for a higher risk building, including requirements for building assessment certificates, safety case reports, engagement with residents and mandatory occurrence reporting.
Essential reading: Building Safety Act 2022: Don’t Miss The Sixth Commencement Order
2023
December
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The Grenfell Tower site update has been published for December 2023, summarising current activity at the site.
Further readingThe tower will be fully illuminated in green on the evening of 14 December to mark six and a half years since the tragedy.
November
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BSR has published its strategic plan for 2023-2026
Further readingThe strategic plan includes a road map for the coming years.
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DLUHC has published guidance ‘Building Safety: Planning enforcement and the Responsible Actors Scheme’.
Further readingThe guidance includes:
- an overview of the Regulations and the planning prohibition including an expectation that local planning authorities will check the published list of prohibited developers and for those prohibited developers to notify the local authority of their status;
- an overview of the planning enforcement and the planning prohibition; and
- particulars for the use of a planning contravention notice, enforcement notice, stop notice and temporary stop notice.
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The Welsh Government has now made the Building Safety (Description of Higher-Risk Building) (Design and Construction Phase) (Wales) Regulations 2023 (WSI 2023/1210), which define the term ‘higher risk building’ for Wales.
Further readingNotably, only one residential unit is required under the Welsh regime, whereas, in England, two or more residential units are required. The Regulations are to come into force on 1 January 2024.
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The draft Housing (Cladding Remediation) (Scotland) Bill has been introduced into the Scottish Parliament
Further readingand is intended to give the Scottish government ‘new powers to remediate buildings with unsafe cladding that present a risk to life’.
October
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DLUHC has published a circular to local government chief executives and heads of building control, approved inspectors, the chief fire officer and fire and rescue authorities.
Further readingThe circular gives guidance on changes to the building control process for higher-risk buildings and wider changes to procedural building regulations applying to buildings in England.
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The Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 received Royal Assent on 26 October 2023.
Further readingThe Act inserts a new section 119A into the Building Safety Act 2022 to fill a hole left by the original definition of “qualifying leases” in section 119 of the Building Safety Act 2022 which failed to recognise leases which had been surrendered and regranted after a stipulated date. Qualifying leases are leases that can qualify for many of the leaseholder protection provisions in Schedule 8 BSA 2022.
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The Welsh government has published a response to its consultation on the:
Further readingThe Welsh government has published a response to its consultation on the:
- operational standards rules (OSRs), which provide the standards building control bodies need to meet,
- monitoring arrangements, including reportable data and key performance indicators, which support the OSRs,
- strategic context to building control oversight which support the OSRs.
It has also published the outcome on its consultations on:
- a code of conduct for registered building inspectors, and
- the building inspector competence framework.
Further reading:
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Michael Gove has announced that developers will be given a 30 months’ transitional period for the implementation of the two staircase rule for new residential buildings of 18 metres or more.
Further readingFrom the date when the Government publishes and confirms those changes to Approved Document B formally, Gove has announced that:
- Developers are to have 30 months during which new building regulations applications can choose to conform to either the guidance as it exists today, or to the updated guidance requiring second staircases.
- When those 30 months have elapsed, all applications will need to conform to the new guidance.
- Any approved applications that do not follow the new guidance will have 18 months for construction to get underway in earnest, failing which, they will have to submit a new building control application, following the new guidance.
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The Government has published guidance on the legal criteria for determining whether a building is considered a higher-risk building
Further readingunder the Building Safety Act 2022, the Building Act 1984 (as amended by the Building Safety Act 2022) and the Higher-Risk Buildings (Descriptions and Supplementary Provisions) Regulations 2023.
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A draft of the Higher-Risk Buildings (Keeping and Provision of Information etc.) (England) Regulations 2023 has been laid before Parliament
Further readingand is intended to come into force at the same time as the accountable person’s duty to undertake assessments of building safety risks (section 83 of the Building Safety Act 2022) comes into force. They specify the information and documents that the principal accountable person and accountable persons must keep and share with those who have an interest in relation to a higher-risk building, including the golden thread information.
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The Government has published a response to the consultation on residents voice, golden thread information and the duties on the accountable persons to provide information
at the same time publishing in draft related Regulations concerning the golden thread information.
Further reading: -
The Welsh Government has opened a Consultation on its plans to amend the building regulations for Approved Document Part B (Fire Safety).
Further readingThe proposals are to:
- amend the ban on the use of combustible materials in and on external walls of buildings,
- set limits on the use of combustible materials on certain buildings over 11m,
- introduce Evacuation Alert System (EAS),
- introduce Secure Information Boxes in all new blocks of flats with a floor of 11m or more above ground level,
- introduce floor identification and flat wayfinding signage,
- make an amendment regarding referencing of BS EN 13501 and BS 476,
- call for evidence over the number of stairs in buildings and the removal of all references to the BS 476 fire classifications from AD B.
The Consultation runs from 17 October 2023 to 9 January 2024.
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The Government has published guidance for local authorities and fire and rescue services on the use remediation orders, a Building Safety Act 2022 enforcement power.
Further reading -
The HSE has published a link to its online service to make a building control application, submit a notice of intention to start work or commencement or tell the HSE that a certain point in the inspection schedule has been reached.
Further readingAccompanying guidance has also been published.
Further reading:
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The Government has published the Grenfell Tower site update October 2023, providing a summary of current activity at the site.
Further reading -
Substantial parts of the new building safety legislation go live on 1 October, including:
Substantial parts of the new building safety legislation go live on 1 October, including:
- the new building control regime for higher-risk buildings,
- the new dutyholders regime applicable to all building works subject to the Building Regulations 2010, and
- the date when all existing higher risk buildings must be registered with the Building Safety Regulator (‘BSR’).
Further reading
The Building (Higher-Risk Buildings Procedures) (England) Regulations 2023
The Building Regulations etc. (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2023
The Higher-Risk Buildings (Descriptions and Supplementary Provisions) Regulations 2023
The Building Safety Act 2022 (Commencement No. 5 and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2023
September
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The Building (Restricted Activities and Functions) (England) Regulations 2023 were made on 19 September 2023.
Further readingThey provide for a list of the activities and functions of local authorities, the building safety regulator (the Health and Safety Executive) and registered building control approvers which are restricted under sections 46A and 54B of the Building Act 1984 (c. 55). A body must obtain advice from a registered building inspector before it undertakes a restricted function. The Regulations come into force on 6 April 2024.
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The Building Safety Regulator has published new guidance for accountable persons and principal accountable persons in discharging their duties under the ‘in-occupation regime’ for higher risk buildings.
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The government has issued an update on those who have signed the developer's remediation contract. As of 15 September 2023, 50 developers have signed the contract.
Further readingFour developers who signed the pledge were subsequently found not to have developed buildings within the scope of the contract. Those developers have therefore not been required to sign the contract at this stage. They may be asked to sign the contract in future if information emerges indicating that they did in fact develop buildings which are in scope.
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Building Act 1984 (Commencement No.3) (England) Order 2023/992 was made on 11 September 2023.
Further readingThe Order brings into force section 33 of the Building Act 1984. Section 33 gives a local authority powers to require a person to carry out reasonable tests to identify if work contravenes building regulations or for the local authority to themselves carry out reasonable tests.
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The Building Safety Act 2022 (Commencement No.5 and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2023
Further readingThe Building Safety Act 2022 (Commencement No.5 and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2023 were made on 11 September 2023 and bring into force various sections of the Building Safety Act 2022 including section 77 which makes it an offence for a higher risk building to be occupied but not registered with the Building Safety Regulator with effect on 1 October 2023.
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Scottish Government has announced a Cladding Remediation Bill to give Ministers new powers to remediate buildings with unsafe cladding that present a risk to life.
Further readingThis is intended to support the delivery of the Cladding Remediation Programme and help to speed up the remediation process.
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The Building Safety (Regulator’s Charges) Regulations 2023 was made on 5 September and comes into force on 1 October 2023.
Further readingIt has been made to enable the regulator to recover charges for its costs for or in connection with the performance of a chargeable function under the Building Safety Act 2022 and the Building Act 84.
August
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The Government has published outcomes to 3 consultations:
- Consultation on Part 3 of the Building Safety Act (building control regime for higher-risk buildings),
- Consultation on Part 4 of the Building Safety Act (in-occupation regime for higher-risk buildings), building on earlier responses issued on 24 January and 14 March,
- Consultation on changes to the building control profession and the building control process for approved inspectors (in future to be known as registered building control approvers).
These outcomes were published alongside five related statutory instruments being laid before Parliament.
There is also accompanying Guidance published by the HSE ‘Building Control: An overview of the new regime. Gateways 2 and 3 – application to completion certificate’
Further reading:
- Consultation on implementing the new building control regime for higher-risk buildings and wider changes to the building regulations for all buildings
- Consultation on the new safety regime for occupied higher-risk buildings
- Changes to the building control profession and the building control process for approved inspectors
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The Building Regulations (Higher-Risk Building Procedures) (England) 2023 were laid before Parliament on 17 August 2023 and come into force on 1 October 2023 with the planned 6 months’ transitional
Further readingThese Regulations implement aspects of the new building control approval regime described in Part 3 of the Building Safety Act 2022. This includes procedures for applying for building control approval under the new regime, details of the change control process, the golden thread information, mandatory occurrence reporting and the handover of information on completion of the work, procedures for applying for completion certificates, the inspections, testing and sampling regime by the regulator and the appeals process.
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The Building Regulations etc. (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2023 were laid before Parliament on 17 August 2023 and come into force on 1 October 2023.
Further readingThese Regs implement aspects of the new building control approval regime described in Part 3 of the Building Safety Act 2022, making various amendments to the Building Regulations 2010 including inserting a new Part 2A setting out the new dutyholders and competence regime to ensure compliance with all relevant building regulations requirements.
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The Building (Approved Inspectors etc. And Review of Decisions) (England) Regulations 2023 were laid before Parliament on 17 August 2023 and come into force on 1 October 2023.
Further readingThey amend the Building (Approved Inspectors etc.) Regulations 2010 (the AI Regulations) to support the new higher-risk building control regime.
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The Higher-Risk Buildings (Management of Safety Risks etc) (England) Regulations 2023 were laid before Parliament on 17 August 2023 and are to come into force at the same time as section 83 of the Building Safety Act 2022
Further readingThis relates to the management of safety risks in higher-risk buildings under the in-occupation regime for higher-risk buildings (Part 4 of the Building Safety Act 2022). This is fundamental reading for Accountable Persons (APs) and Principal Accountable Persons (PAPs).
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The Building Safety Act 2022 (Consequential Amendments etc.) Regulations 2023 were made on 9 August 2023 and are to come into force on the day on which section 32 of the Building Safety Act 2022 (building control authorities) comes into force in relation to England.
Further readingThe Regs make amendments which are consequential on Part 3 of the Building Safety Act 2022 coming into force. Part 3 of that Act makes amendments to Building Act 1984.
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DLUHC has published a list of the members of the Responsible Actors Scheme launched on 21 July 2023.
Essential Reading: Our InsightAs of 1 August, the members are Ballymore Ltd, Croudace Homes Group Ltd, Land Securities Group PLC, Morris Homes Group Ltd, Persimmon PLC and Redrow PLC. For further information, we discuss key aspects of the scheme in a recent article.
Further reading:
July
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DLUHC has published a joint statement with the BSR, the Local Government Association and the National Fire Chiefs Council warning building owners (particularly those who are stalling even where funding is being made available) that they need to get on with remediation work or face enforcement action.
Further readingThe statement warns that the BSR will start enforcing building safety in residential buildings above 18 metres or 7 storeys in spring 2024. Those who have yet to remediate can expect early attention from the Building Safety Regulator.
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DLUHC has announced a cladding safety scheme providing funding for the remediation of unsafe cladding in England where a responsible developer cannot be identified, traced or held responsible.
Essential Reading: Our InsightIt will be available to all eligible buildings over 11 metres outside of London and between 11-18 metres inside London.
Further reading:
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In a speech, Michael Gove confirmed that all new high-rise residential buildings taller than 18 metres will be required to include at least two staircases.
Essential Reading: Our InsightThis is a major change to the 30 metres threshold discussed in a Government consultation last year. Gove reported that the choice has been made following ‘confirmation from expert bodies that they support this threshold’. This change is supported by many, including the National Fire Chiefs Council.
Further reading:
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The Building Safety Competence Foundation and the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE) have been named as the first organisations to become independent competence assessors for all building control surveyors in England.
Further readingThe competence assessment is part of the pathway for building control professionals to become registered building inspectors.
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The Building Safety (Responsible Actors Scheme and Prohibitions) Regulations 2023 came into force on 4 July 2023.
Further readingEligible developers (see eligibility criteria) who do not join and comply with the Scheme (which includes a requirement to sign the developer’s remediation contract) face the prospect of having planning and building control prohibitions imposed on them.
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Key Building Information (KBI) can now be entered on the registration portal when registering high-rise buildings.
Further readingKBI is a set of information needed about each high-rise building in order to assess and properly manage the risks of fire spread or structural failure. Registration of the building and provision of the KBI must be completed before 1 October 2023.
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Planning Gateway One guidance has been published on the Planning Portal and a recent webinar is now available on demand.
Further readingThe advice is intended for local planning authorities, applicants and other technical specialists involved in the design and consenting of high rise residential and educational accommodation buildings at the planning stage. It outlines what Planning Gateway One is intended to achieve, how it works, the relevance of fire safety matters at the planning stage and provides information about using the pre-application service.
June
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The Code of Conduct for Registered Building Inspectors (RBIs) and Professional Conduct Rules for Registered Building Control Approvers (RBCAs) has now been published.
Further readingAll Building Inspectors, public and private sector, must comply with the Code of Conduct coming into force in April 2024. It sets out the standards of professional conduct and practice required of individuals performing their role as a building inspector registered with the Building Safety Regulator. The Professional Conduct Rules apply to Registered Building Control Approvers. They set out standards of professional conduct and practice expected of Building Control Approvers in the private sector registered with Building Safety Regulator coming into force in April 2024.
Further reading:
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The draft Building Safety (Leaseholder Protections etc.) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 have been laid before Parliament for review and approval
Further readingAmending the Building Safety (Leaseholder Protections) (Information etc.) (England) Regulations 2022 and the Building Safety (Leaseholder Protections) (England) Regulations 2022 which support the leaseholder protection provisions in the Building Safety Act 2022. Amendments include expanding the list of ‘interested persons’ who may apply for remediation orders and remediation contribution orders.
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Developers have signed a commitment letter to the Scottish Government in respect to the remediation of life critical fire safety works in buildings over 11 metres that they have played a role in developing or refurbishing over the last 30 years in Scotland.
Further readingThe developers are Persimmon Homes, Miller Homes, Cala Group, Barratt Developments, Springfield Properties, Taylor Wimpey and Lovell.
May
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The 54th monthly data release from the government’s Building Safety Programme.
Further readingThe data records that, at the end of April 2023, 95% (467) of all identified high-rise residential and publicly owned buildings in England had either completed or started remediation work to remove and replace unsafe Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) cladding.
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The Government has updated its list of those developers who have signed the Developer Remediation Contract.
Further reading3 companies are listed as having still not signed the contract which commits to remediate unsafe buildings which they developed.
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Draft of the Building Safety Act 2022 (Consequential Amendments etc) Regulations 2023 have been published
Further readingRepealing references to the deposit of plans for proposed building work with local authorities and replacing them with a reference to the making of an application for building control approval. Regulation 17 makes transitional provisions to ensure the amendments in these Regulations do not affect building work for which a notice is given or plans are deposited under section 16 of the Building Act 1984 before 1st October 2023.
April
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Draft version of the Building Safety (Responsible Actors Scheme and Prohibitions) Regulations 2023 have been published and laid in Parliament.
Further readingThey are expected to come into force in Summer 2023. Eligible developers (see eligibility criteria) who do not join and comply with the Scheme (which includes a requirement to sign the developer’s remediation contract) face the prospect of having planning and building control prohibitions imposed on them.
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The Register for High-Rise Residential Buildings has now opened, online.
Further readingThe Gov site identifies the initial information required to complete the registration application, with a registration fee of £251 per building. The specified deadline for completing applications for existing buildings is 30 September 2023.
March
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The Government has published details about a Responsible Actors Scheme for residential developers.
Further readingEligible developers (see eligibility criteria) who do not join and comply with the Scheme (which includes a requirement to sign the developer’s remediation contract) will have planning and building control prohibitions imposed on them.
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The Building Safety Act 2022 (Commencement No. 4 and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2023.
Essential Reading: Our InsightMade on 23 March 2023 and brings into force more sections of the Building Safety Act 2022, some partially only. Notably, it enacts the new functions of the building safety regulator (1 April) and registration of higher risk buildings (6 April).
Further reading:
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The Building Safety (Registration of Higher-Risk Buildings and Review of Decisions) (England) Regulations 2023 passed on 14 April 2023 and coming into force on 6 April 2023.
Further readingThey make provision about the register of higher-risk buildings held by the building safety regulator.
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The Government announces those developers who have signed the developer remediation contract, and those who have yet to do so.
Further reading -
The Government announces funding of £42m to support recruitment and training of Building Control Inspectors and Fire Inspectors working with the Building Safety Regulator.
Further reading- £16.5m grant to Local Authority Building Control (LABC), the representative body for local authority building control in England and Wales;
- £26m to support the Fire and Rescue Services in England and the National Fire Chiefs Council.
February
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Greater London Authority requires 2 staircases for residential buildings over 30 metres
The Greater London Authority has announced that, with immediate effect, all planning applications which involve residential buildings over 30 metres in height will need to be designed to provide for two staircases before they are referred to the GLA at Stage 2 for the Mayor’s decision. This aligns with the Government's proposals made in its Consultation issued back in December 2023.
Further reading:
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The Architects Registration Board has launched a public consultation on its proposals to change the current regulatory framework, to ensure that architects on its UK register are competent.
It intends to require two accredited qualifications to support flexibility and expand access to the profession. The consultation closes on 10 May 2023.
January
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The Government has set a six-week deadline for developers to sign the legal agreements (relating to the Building Safety Pledge) and is warning that companies who fail to sign and comply with the terms of the contract will face significant consequences.
Legislation will be brought forward in the spring giving the Secretary of State powers to prevent developers from operating freely in the housing market if they fail to sign and comply with the remediation contract, pursuant to s128 (Prohibition on development for prescribed persons) of the Building Safety Act 2022.
Further reading:
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Response published to parts of the Government’s Consultation on Part 4 of the Building Safety Act, relating to key building information and parts of a building
Related to this, the draft Higher-Risk Buildings (Key Building Information etc.) (England) Regulations 2023 have been laid before Parliament and are to be debated. They are intended to come into force on 6 April 2023.
Further reading:
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The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 are now in force, as at 23 January 2023
These regulations include requirements for wayfinding signage, a secure information box to be installed in the building and for various plans and information to be placed within the box and for fire-fighting equipment to be regularly inspected, within high-rise residential building. They also require certain information to be supplied to fire and rescue authorities.
Further reading:
2022
December
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Consultation proposal on options to recommend a maximum height threshold for the use of one staircase in blocks of flats and to recommend sprinklers in care homes, remove national classifications from Approved Document B
Further readingOne of the key proposals is for residential buildings above 30 metres in height to be designed and built with 2 staircases; with the possibility that this requirement may be implemented on short notice. The Consultation will run for 12 weeks, to 17 March 2023.
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Outcome of Government’s consultation on Higher Risk Buildings (Descriptions and Supplementary Provisions) Regulations published
Further readingThe Regulations complete the definition of higher-risk building.
Only 101 responses were received. Some changes have been made to the Regulations as a consequence of the responses received.
The Regulations will need to be approved by both Houses of Parliament. If approved, the Regulations will be made and come into force in early 2023.
November
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A pilot of the new Medium-Rise Scheme has been launched
Further readingFor medium rise blocks (11 to 18 metres), where a responsible developer cannot be identified, access to funding is being made available to pay for external wall system repairs and mitigations. The pilot will start with a small group of buildings that have interim or simultaneous evacuation measures in place.
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The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities opens a Consultation on the design and implementation of the Building Safety Levy
Further readingThe levy is intended to be paid by developers and charged on new residential buildings requiring building control approval in England (with a potential exception for qualifying smaller builds), for the purpose of meeting a £3billion shortfall relating to building safety expenditure over the next 10 years.
The Consultation will last for 10 working weeks, ending on 7 February 2023.
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The Building Safety Act 2022 (Commencement No. 3 and Transitional Provision) Regulations 2022
Further readingThe Building Safety Act 2022 (Commencement No. 3 and Transitional Provision) Regulations 2022 are made on 18 November 2022.
The third set of commencement regulations have now been issued under the Building Safety Act 2022. The Regulations bring into force, from 1 December 2022, sections of the Act relating to the building safety regulator’s duties to:
- assist specified groups in the improvement of building safety;
- establish a building advisory committee; and
- establish and maintain a committee of residents of higher-risk buildings to advise it on its functions.
There are transitional provisions.
October
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HSE launches a new Consultation on the latest version of the Building Control Competence Framework (BICoF)
Further reading- All building control professionals (regardless of whether or not they work on higher-risk buildings) will have to register with the Building Safety Regulator (HSE), demonstrating their competence.
- The Consultation closes on 9 December 2022.
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Consultations closed
- Implementing the new building control regime for higher-risk buildings and wider changes to the building regulations for all buildings (relating to Part 3 of the BSA)
- The new safety regime for occupied higher-risk buildings (relating to Part 4 of the BSA).
Further reading -
HSE updates its website, advising that it will become the new building control authority for higher-risk buildings from October 2023
Further readingThis suggests that the earliest time for the new building control regime to come into force will be October 2023, with the 6 months’ transitional provisions applying thereafter.
September
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The Financial Conduct Authority issues its report
Further readingThe Financial Conduct Authority issues its report on reforms for the multi-occupancy buildings insurance market, examining the causes of insurance premium and commission increases and considering the range of potential action that the Government and industry could take to address them.
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The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities challenges the Association of British Insurers (ABI) and British Insurance Broker’s Association (BIBA) to address serious concerns
Further readingThe Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities challenges the Association of British Insurers (ABI) and British Insurance Broker’s Association (BIBA) to address serious concerns regarding:
- significant increases to insurance premiums and commissions earnt by insurance brokers, and
- the reported practice of insurance brokers sharing commission with building owners and managing agents.
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New Guidance published by the Government
Further readingInformation for leaseholders and other residents on fire safety and remediation of historic building safety defects. It includes guidance on who is responsible for paying for the remediation works.
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Government publishes new guidance
Further readingBuilding Safety Fund for new applications (2022): A guide for leaseholders and residents. It provides guidance on how the adapted 2022 building safety fund process works.
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Government publishes its 58th monthly data release from its Building Safety Programme
Further readingData published includes the percentage of high-rise residential and publicly owned buildings in England which either have completed or started remediation work to remove and replace unsafe Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) cladding.
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Government publishes building Safety Fund guidance and data
Further readingBuilding Safety Fund guidance and data on the number of Building Safety Fund registrations received from the private sector and social sector and the total amount of funding allocated for the remediation of non-Aluminium Composite Material cladding.
August
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The Building Safety Act 2022 (Commencement No. 2) Regulations 2022 are made on 31 August 2022
Further ReadingThese Regulations are the second commencement regulations under the Act, bringing into force sections 126-129 of the Act on 1 September 2022. This commences the powers relating to a scheme for developers and the prohibitions on developing land and building control which may be imposed on persons including on persons who are eligible to be a member of a scheme established under section 126 of the Act but who are not members.
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Seeking information on leaseholder-owned buildings above 11m or 5 storeys with relevant defects
Further ReadingConsultation opened seeking information on leaseholder-owned buildings above 11m or 5 storeys with relevant defects, to help inform government policy in determining how best to protect the leaseholders in such buildings from the impact of building safety defects. This is connected with the Government’s decision that the leaseholder protection provisions in Part 5 of the Building Safety Act should not apply to leaseholder-owned and commonhold buildings because leaseholders, in their capacity as freeholders, would still have had to pay to remedy the safety defects in their buildings.
The consultation closes on 14 November 2022.
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Explanatory notes
Further ReadingExplanatory notes to the Building Safety Act are published.
July
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New BS 8644 standard
Further Reading(Relating to the digital management of fire safety information (to be used alongside ISO 19650) is published in final form on 31 July 2022.
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Building Safety Fund opens for new applications
Essential Reading: Our InsightFurther reading
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BSI publishes 3 new standards as part of its Built Environment Competence Standards programme
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Higher Risk Buildings Regulations
Further ReadingConsultation on proposed Higher Risk Buildings (Descriptions and Supplementary Provisions) Regulations which complete the definition of higher risk buildings for the new building safety regime closed on 21 July 2022.
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Implementing the new building control regime for higher risk buildings
Further ReadingConsultation on implementing the new building control regime for higher risk buildings and wider changes to the building regulations for all buildings (relating to Part 3 of the BSA) is published on 20 July 2022.
Consultation closes on 12 October 2022.
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The new safety regime for occupied higher risk buildings
Further ReadingConsultation on the new safety regime for occupied higher risk buildings (relating to Part 4 of the BSA) is published on 20 July 2022.
Consultation closes on 12 October 2022.
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The Building Safety (Leaseholder Protections) (England) Regulations 2022 came into force on 20 July 2022
Further ReadingThese Regulations support the leaseholder protection provisions in Sections 116 to 125 of the 2022 Act, making provision in relation to remediation of certain defects in buildings over 11 metres in height (or of at least 5 storeys).
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The Building Safety Act 2022 (Commencement No. 1) (Wales) Regulations 2022
Further ReadingThese Regulations provide for Section 48 (Insurance: removal of requirements) of the 2022 Act to come into force in Wales on 28 July 2022.
June
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Certain Building Safety Act sections came into force 2 months after the enactment of the Act
Further ReadingSections 116 – 125 and Schedule 8, whereby qualifying leaseholders of buildings above 11metres or 5 storeys may pursue claims for remediation of certain defects causing a building safety risk of fire or building collapse.
Section 134 which incorporates a new section 2A (Duties relating to work to dwellings etc) into the Defective Premises Act 1972, to broaden the Act’s application to refurbishment or rectification works to a dwelling carried out by contractors.
Section 135 which incorporates a new section 4B into the Limitation Act 1980, creating special time limits for pursuing claims in respect of damage or defects in buildings.
Section 146 and Schedule 11 which sets out the statutory framework for the new construction products regulations, to apply to all construction products, not just those to higher-risk or residential buildings.
Sections 147 to 155, making manufacturers liable to those with a legal or equitable interest in dwellings for defective construction products and where such products have caused the dwelling to be unfit for habitation.
Sections 157 to 159, amending the Architects Act 1997, giving the Architects Registration Board new powers to monitor architect’s competence through a new competence system (CPD scheme) and ultimately giving the ARB rights to reprimand, fine, suspend or strike off architects failing to meet the standard.
By virtue of The Building Safety Act 2022 (Commencement No. 1, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Regulations 2022, Section 132 of the 2022 Act came into force on 28 June 2022, allowing certain persons to seek a court order for disclosure of information to establish which companies may be associated with the original companies responsible for the works; to potentially go on to seek a Building Liability Order against those associated companies where it is just and equitable to do so.
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The Government publishes its response to the review of the ban on the use of combustible materials in and on the external walls of buildings
Further ReadingAs a consequence, the Government will introduce the Building etc. (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2022 which will bring hotels, hostels and boarding houses within the scope of the Regs, banning metal composite materials used on Grenfell Tower, amending the list of materials exempted from the ban and changing performance requirements.
May
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The Building Safety Act 2022 (Commencement No. 1, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Regulations 2022
Further ReadingThese Regulations are the first commencement regulations made under the 2022 Act.
They provide for certain sections of the 2022 Act to come into force on 28 May, 28 June and 28 July 2022.
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The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022
Further ReadingThese Regulations were made on 17 May 2022 imposing obligations on responsible persons for the electronic supply of information to fire and rescue authorities relating to design and materials in external wall, floor plans and building plans as well as other obligations for residential buildings.
They’ll come into force on the 23 January 2023.
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The Fire Safety Act 2021 (Commencement) (England) Regulations 2022
Further ReadingSection 1 of the Fire Safety Act 2021 (Premises to which the Fire Safety Order applies) came into force on this date, also bringing into force remaining Section 3. Section 2 of the Fire Safety Act 2021 came into force 2 months after the 2021 Act was passed on 29 April 2021.
Further reading
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Building safety: remediation and funding - government response to the Select Committee reports
Further ReadingThis is the government’s response to the Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities Select Committee’s reports published on 26 April 2021 and 7 March 2022 following its inquiries into cladding remediation and building safety remediation and funding in England.
April
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The Building Safety Act receives Royal Assent
On the 28 April 2022, the Building Safety Bill became the Building Safety Act 2022. Not all sections of the Act immediately came into force.
Further reading
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Cladding and insulation manufacturers
Further ReadingThe Secretary of State has written to the Construction Products Association and warned he will do whatever it takes to hold cladding and insulation manufacturers to account.
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Government publishes a list of developers who have pledged to commit to remediate life critical fire safety works in buildings over 11 metres
Further ReadingAs of 8 July, 48 developers have signed a pledge committing to remediate life critical fire safety works in buildings over 11 metres that they have played a role in developing or refurbishing over the last 30 years in England.
March
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Government response to proposal to remediate unsafe buildings over 11 metres
Further ReadingResponse to Home Builders Federation commitment to remediate fire safety defects.
January
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New online service to track remediation of high-risk buildings
Further readingLeaseholders of buildings 18m and over with unsafe, non-ACM cladding can track the progress of Building Safety Fund applications.
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Inquiry launched into building safety funding and remediation
Further readingThe effectiveness of Government’s planned measures to address cost of unsafe cladding remediation will be examined by the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee.
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Government announcements to industry to address cost of cladding remediation
Secretary of State gives developers a deadline of early March 2022 to agree a fully-funded plan of remediation for unsafe cladding, including for 11-18 m buildings.
2021
October
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4% residential property developer tax to apply from 1 April 2022
Further ReadingIt will apply to the largest residential property developers on profits made from UK residential property development.
September
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Residential property developer tax - Draft legislation published for consultation
Draft legislation to be included in Finance Bill 2021-22. Final details to be announced in Autumn Budget, 27 October 2021.
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Waking Watch Relief Fund applications further extended to 10 December 2021
Further Reading -
HSE guidance on safety case principles published
Further ReadingIn anticipation of the Building Safety Bill coming into operation in 2022, the Health and Safety Executive has proposed safety case principles for high-rise residential buildings to manage risk of fire spread and for reporting on fire and safety hazards.
August
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Planning Gateway one comes into effect
Further ReadingPlanning issues relating to fire safety must be incorporated in the development process of relevant high-rise residential building schemes.
July
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Report on requirements of ‘golden thread’ during the design and construction phase
Building Regulations Advisory Committee’s report discusses obligations of dutyholders in maintaining digital thread of information.
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Proposed timing for construction industry changes published
Further ReadingTransition plan forecasts Bill to receive Royal Assent mid-2022 with different provisions to take effect mid to late 2023 (within 12-18 months after Royal Assent).
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Draft Building Safety Bill published
Further ReadingGuidance on the role of dutyholders during the design and construction phase published with Building Safety Regulator overseeing high-rise residential buildings.
June
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’Golden thread’ of fire safety information for high rise residential buildings required from 1 August 2021
Further ReadingPlanning Gateway one guidance published for a fire statement in planning applications for new and existing multi-residential dwellings and educational accommodation over 18 m in height to evidence fire safety considerations at planning stage.
May
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Planning Gateway one for building safety announced
New planning requirements for high-rise residential buildings are outlined by government. Subject to parliamentary scrutiny, the changes are due to come into effect from 1 August 2021.
April
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New residential property developer tax consultation
The new tax, proposed to take effect from 1 April 2022, seeks to capture the largest residential property developers. Although it is intended to help pay for remediation of unsafe cladding, it applies industry wide. Consultation on the proposal closes 22 July 2021.
Further reading
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Fire Safety Act 2021 receives Royal Assent
The Fire Safety Act 2021 is published, but not yet fully in force. It clarifies and extends the operation of the 2005 Fire Safety Order to all multi-residential buildings.
February
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New Chief Inspector of Buildings announced to lead new Building Safety Regulator (BSR)
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) announced the appointment of a Chief Inspector of Buildings to lead the new BSR which forms part of the draft Building Safety Bill and the new regulatory regime for high risk buildings and general oversight of building safety.
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£3.5B government fund announced for removal of unsafe cladding in high-rise buildings - New levy and tax on developers
Replacing unsafe cladding for leaseholders in residential buildings 18 metres (six storeys) and over will be fully funded. Leaseholders in lower-rise buildings will have access to a long-term, low interest scheme. A developer levy and new tax for residential property development was also announced.
January
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New national regulator for construction products announced – Ensuring homes are built from safe materials
Further ReadingThe regulator can remove unsafe products from the market, prosecute companies which break product safety rules and conduct its own product-testing. An independent review has also been commissioned to examine weaknesses in previous testing regimes for construction products.
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RICS issues consultation on guidance for valuation of high-rise residential buildings with cladding
Further ReadingConsultation closed 25 January 2021.
2020
December
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Government announces Waking Watch Relief
Further ReadingThe UK Parliament Building Safety Update announced a £30M Waking Watch Relief Fund for installation of fire alarm systems in private high-rise buildings with unsafe cladding. The deadline to apply for the £1B Building Safety Fund for replacement of unsafe non-ACM is extended to 30 June 2021.
November
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Parliamentary Committee report on Building Safety Bill published
Further ReadingThis follows legislative scrutiny, recommending that more detail is needed.
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Third reading of Fire Safety Bill 2019-21 in House of Lords
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Government announces EWS1 certificates are no longer required for buildings without cladding
Further ReadingThis means that where owners of flats are selling or re-mortgaging their property, they will not need an EWS1 certificate where there is no cladding on the building.
July
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Draft Building Safety Bill announced
Implementing major reforms of the building safety system following response to Building a safer future consultation (April 2020) including:
- Establishment of a new Building Safety Regulator (BSR);
- New role of ‘building control approvers’, replacing the role of Approved Inspectors;
- A new stricter regime for all ‘higher-risk buildings’ under the new three ‘Gateway’ system throughout planning, design and construction phases of a project;
- A new ‘duty-holder’ regime, including an ‘Accountable Person’ throughout the occupation of ‘higher-risk’ buildings.
Essential Reading
Policy paper - Draft Building Safety Bill
Government publishes Building Safety Bill -
Government consultation: Fire safety and implementation of Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 1 report
Further ReadingConsultation closed 12 October 2020.
May
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Registration prospectus published for Building Safety Fund for remediation of non-ACM cladding systems (England only)
Registration prospectus: The £1bn fund is in addition to monies Government has already made available to cover cost of remediating high-rise buildings with unsafe ACM cladding.
Applications for fund extended to 30 June 2021.
April
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Government publishes response to ‘Building a Safer Future’ consultation
The response sets out proposals for a reformed building safety regulatory system in response to the Hackitt Report.
March
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Government introduces the Fire Safety Bill
Fire Safety Bill introduced to improve fire safety in buildings in England and Wales, requiring the responsible person or duty-holder for multi-occupied, residential buildings to manage and reduce fire risk in the structure and external walls of the building.
January
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Phase 2 of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry commences
Further ReadingPhase 2 of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry commences, addressing eight distinct Modules.
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Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s Phase 1 report published
Further ReadingGovernment’s response to Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s Phase 1 report is published, setting out steps being taken to implement the recommendations and work being undertaken to make buildings safer.
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Government consultation: Expanding aspects of ban on use of combustible materials in external walls
Proposals include inclusion of hotels and boarding houses, lowering the height threshold of the ban from 18 to 11 metres, and banning combustible composite materials in all buildings, regardless of height.
Consultation closed 25 May 2020
2019
December
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New industry-wide process announced for valuation of high-rise buildings
Further ReadingA new industry-wide voluntary valuation process is announced by RICS for buying, selling and re-mortgaging homes in buildings above 18 metres (six storeys), including the use of EWS1 forms. The External Wall Fire Review Process requires a fire safety assessment to be carried out by a suitably qualified person and is valid for five years.
October
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Report for Phase 1 of the Grenfell Tower inquiry is published
Further ReadingThe report explains what occurred at Grenfell Tower on 14 June 2017 and, among other things, recommends new legal requirements on owners and managers of high-rise residential buildings.
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Implementation of a new building safety standard is announced
A new building safety standard is announced in the Queen’s Speech. Its purpose is to establish a new regulatory regime to create robust building safety standards, including the implementation of a new independent Building Safety Regulator (BSR).
June
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Building a safer future consultation published
Government consultation proposes reform of the building safety regulatory system in the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower fire, including creation of a ‘duty-holder’ system and increased focus on long-term maintenance and management of buildings post-construction.
Consultation closed 31 July 2019
Charles Russell Speechlys provided a response to the consultation.
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Government consultation: Review of Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
Further ReadingGovernment seeks views on its fitness for purpose for non-domestic premises, although the call for evidence considers whether the Order should apply to common parts of multi-occupied residential buildings and to mixed-use buildings.
Consultation closed 31 July 2019.
May
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Private Sector ACM Cladding Remediation Fund announced
Further Reading£200M fund to remediate unsafe ACM cladding on private sector residential buildings 18 m or higher. Applications for the fund closed 31 December 2019.
2018
December
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Building (Amendment) Regulations 2018 come into force in England
New Regulation 7(2) requires all materials which become part of a new or refurbished external wall on a building above 18m, containing one or more dwellings, to be of limited combustibility.
May
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Dame Judith Hackitt’s final report is published
It includes a powerful critique of the current regulatory framework and practices applicable to high-rise residential tower blocks.
Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety: Final Report.
2017
June
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Grenfell Tower disaster
Fire breaks out at the 23 storey tower block in North Kensington, West London.
2015
October
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New version, BS 9991:2015 published
Fire safety in the design, management and use of residential buildings – Code of Practice is published and recommends any cladding and insulation material used above 18m should be of limited combustibility.
2011
December
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BS 9991: 2011 Fire safety in the design, management and use of residential buildings – Code of Practice published
It recommends that combustible materials should not be used in cladding systems.
2010
October
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Current Building Regulations 2010 come into force
Parts B1 – B5, relating to fire safety, remain as per Building Regulations 2000.
2005
June
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Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 in force
It covers general fire safety in England and Wales and will be amended by the Fire Safety Bill.
1991 - 2000
January
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Building regulations
Further versions of Building Regulations come into force, including a new Part B5 relating to access and facilities for the fire service.
1984
October
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Building Act 1984 comes into force
Building Act 1984 comes into force permitting Building Regulations to be made and to approve ‘Approved Documents’.