Significant changes to building safety regulator announced

Amidst early operational challenges and aims to create a regulatory system that is clear, consistent, and efficient, without compromising safety, the UK government announced significant reforms to the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) on 30 June 2025, aimed at accelerating housebuilding and improving regulatory efficiency. Here are the key highlights:

Major Reforms Introduced

Fast Track Process: A new streamlined process will speed up the review of newbuild applications and remediation decisions, addressing delays that have hindered high-rise developments.

Leadership Overhaul

Andy Roe, former London Fire Brigade Commissioner, has been appointed as the non-executive chair of a new board under the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).

Charlie Pugsley will serve as the new Chief Executive Officer of the BSR.

Staff Expansion

Over 100 new staff members will be added to boost the BSR’s capacity and efficiency.

Strategic Goals

1.5 Million Homes: The reforms are part of a broader plan to deliver 1.5 million safe, high-quality homes across the UK.

Single Construction Regulator

These changes are early steps toward creating a unified construction regulator, a key recommendation from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

Comment

A new single regulator could provide enhanced consistency, and industry will be pleased with the sentiment of these measures, but will no doubt reserve judgement to as to whether they have the desired effects.

Further Reading

Reforms to Building Safety Regulator to accelerate housebuilding – GOV.UK

Written statements – Written questions, answers and statements – UK Parliament

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