Building Safety Regulator Reforms to Accelerate Housebuilding

REFORMS TO the Building Safety Regulator aiming to accelerate housebuilding will unblock delays to building new high-rise homes, the government says.

The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) was established by the Building Safety Act, 2022 after the Grenfell Tower fire and is currently part of HSE.

BSR regulates the safe design, construction and occupation of higher-risk buildings in England. It provides oversight for the safety and standards of all buildings, promoting competence across industry.

A package of reforms to the BSR include a Fast Track Process, changes to leadership and fresh investment. They are amongst the first steps toward creating a single construction regulator – a key recommendation of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

Single Construction Regulator

A new arm’s length body to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is being established to eventually take on the functions of the BSR from the Health and Safety Executive.

Andy Roe KFSM has been appointed as its non-executive chair. As a former Commissioner of London Fire Brigade, Andy will be supported by a new Chief Executive Officer for the BSR, Charlie Pugsley.

Fast Track Process

The new Fast Track Process will see building inspectors and engineers processing and reviewing existing newbuild cases and remediation decisions. Government hopes this will clear delays while keeping building and residents’ safety at the core of the process.

Investment

Additionally, the BSR’s capacity is being bolstered with 100 new members of staff to tackle delays in planning approvals for high-rises.

Andy Roe, Non-Exec Chair of the BSR, said: “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.”

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