A new package of reforms to the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) has been announced by the government today, in a move which marks ‘a significant shift’ in building regulation in response to concern over growing delays and inefficiencies.
The reforms, which include changes to leadership, new investment and a fast-track process, aim to support the delivery of the government’s 1.5 million homes target. They also ‘take early steps’ towards establishing a single construction regulator – a key recommendation from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.
Andy Roe, the former commissioner of London Fire Brigade, has been appointed as non-executive chair of a new board of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to take on the functions of the BSR. Roe will be supported by a new chief executive officer, Charlie Pugsley.
Roe said of his new role:
“The creation of the new Building Safety Regulator was a watershed moment for housing and construction in this country. However, it is also clear that the BSR processes need to continue to evolve and improve, to ensure that it plays its part in enabling the homes this country desperately needs to be built.
“I look forward to working with colleagues both in industry and the BSR to tackle the current issues and delays head on and help get those homes built safely.”
To support industry in achieving the government’s ambitious housebuilding targets, the BSR is also introducing a new fast-track process which will bring building inspector and engineer capacity directly into the BSR. The move aims to enhance the processing and review of existing newbuild cases and remediation decisions, in response to concerns in the sector around delays.
Long-term investment in the capacity of the BSR will see the addition of over 100 new members of staff to support operations and reduce delays.
Minister for building safety Alex Norris said of the reforms:
“The establishment of the Building Safety Regulator has been fundamental to centralising safety in the construction process and it’s time to take the next steps to build on that precedent and create a system that works for the sector whilst keeping residents and their safety at the heart of the process.
“That’s why we’re announcing a package of reforms to the BSR today to enhance operations, reduce delays, and unlock the homes this country desperately needs – delivering on our Plan for Change.”
David Smith, property litigation partner at London law firm Spector Constant & Williams said the reforms mark a significant shift in the government’s approach to building safety regulation.
He explained:
“By moving the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) out of the Health and Safety Executive and establishing it as an independent executive body within the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), the government appears to be responding to growing concerns about delays and inefficiencies under the current regime.
“The Building Safety Act always provided a mechanism to relocate the BSR’s functions post-Grenfell Inquiry, and it was always likely that such a structural change would follow if early implementation proved sluggish. The issues that have arisen, particularly delays in progressing projects through the regulatory gateways, have undoubtedly contributed to this decision.
“Notably, the government’s emphasis on creating in-house capacity to speed up approvals for both remediation and newbuild developments reflects a broader determination to remove barriers to housing delivery. It’s clear that the government is once again prioritising new housing output, and is willing to reform institutional structures to do so.
“This is a welcome development if it leads to a more agile and responsive regulatory framework. However, it will be critical that the reforms do not dilute the core focus on safety, which must remain paramount in the post-Grenfell landscape.”
