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The government has announced reforms to the Building Safety Regulator, including leadership, process and investment. The changes are hoped to deliver 1.5 million homes.
The reforms, which include a new Fast Track Process, changes to leadership and fresh investment, pave the way for creation of a single construction safety regulator, as recommended by the Grenfell Tower inquiry.
Andy Roe, 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 as part of initial steps towards creating a single construction regulator.
Alex Norris, minister for building safety, said: “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.”
Roe added: “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.”
David Smith, property litigation partner at London law firm Spector Constant & Williams, has welcomed yesterday’s announcement to building safety regulation.
He commented: “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.”
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