Building Regulations

Building regulations are essential for ensuring the safety, health, and welfare of people within buildings, particularly those living in tower blocks. However, an urgent reassessment is needed, as the Building Regulation Review has highlighted significant concerns - many aspects of the current regulations are not fit for purpose.

Key Concerns and Recommendations

The interim findings of the review have underscored the necessity for a comprehensive and effective enforcement framework. There is a critical need for a unified method of enforcement rather than the current fragmented approach. One notable recommendation is that building owners and landlords should not have responsibility for obtaining building regulations approval for their own properties, especially regarding structural integrity and fire safety.

As emphasised by fire safety experts, including Chief Fire Officers, there is a strong push for establishing a National Fire Safety Agency, similar to the Health and Safety Executive. This independent body would operate above building owners, ensuring impartial oversight of compliance with safety standards. This system resembles the historical model under the old London County Council and Greater London Council District Surveyor system.

Historical Context of Fire and Structural Risks

Ronan Point (1968)

The collapse of Ronan Point, caused by a small gas explosion, revealed severe vulnerabilities in large panel system (LPS) buildings. This tragic incident prompted initial changes in building regulations, bringing significant attention to structural insufficiencies in high-rise construction.

Lakanal House (2009)

The fire at Lakanal House, which resulted in six fatalities, further highlighted critical failures in fire safety measures in residential tower blocks. The subsequent investigations identified serious lapses in compliance with existing fire safety regulations, underscoring the need for comprehensive reform in safety protocols.

Grenfell Tower (2017)

The Grenfell Tower fire was one of the most devastating tragedies in recent British history, claiming 72 lives. The inquiry following the event has brought to light the catastrophic consequences of inadequate fire safety regulations, poor building materials, and governance failures. It has also fuelled demands for stringent enforcement of existing regulations and a complete overhaul of building safety protocols.

Timeline of Key Events

June 2017 - Grenfell Tower fire occurs, resulting in 72 fatalities and extensive damage.

December 2017 - Dame Judith Hackitt publishes the interim report of the Building Regulation Review, highlighting the need for urgent reforms.

May 2018 - Dame Judith Hackitt releases her full report, recommending a major overhaul of building regulations and fire safety standards.

December 2018 - The Government announces the formation of a new Building Safety Minister and a review of building safety regulations.

October 2019 - The Building Safety Bill is introduced to Parliament, aiming to implement many of the recommendations from Hackitt's review.

July 2020 - The government announces a £1 billion fund to assist in replacing unsafe aluminium composite cladding from high-rise buildings.

October 2020 - The Building Safety Bill receives its first reading in Parliament, focusing on the safety of residents in high-rise buildings.

April 2021 - Phase 1 of the Grenfell Inquiry concludes, with findings emphasizing failures in fire safety and building regulations enforcement.

July 2021 - The government publishes the Building Safety Bill, which includes provisions for a new Building Safety Regulator.

April 2022 - The Building Safety Act is enacted, establishing the Building Safety Regulator and mandating stricter regulations for high-risk buildings.

September 2024 - The Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report is released, reinforcing Hackitt's recommendations and emphasizing accountability in building safety.

March 2025 - Amendments to the Approved Document B are introduced, updating fire safety regulations and requiring stricter guidelines for high-risk buildings.

The Way Forward

While amending the Building Regulations will be a crucial step toward improving the safety of tower blocks, changes to legislation alone will not be enough. Effective enforcement is essential to ensure that the improved safety standards translate into real benefits for tenants.

We propose that the Building Regulation Review incorporates considerations for tenant engagement and compliance monitoring. This includes:

Empowering Tenants: Creation of a legal framework enabling tenants to ensure compliance with new regulations, allowing their voices to be heard when they have safety concerns.
Model Approach to Enforcement: A cohesive model that outlines enforcement arrangements, providing clarity and accountability within the regulatory framework.
Support Resources for Tenants: The creation of resources that equip tenants to navigate the new regulations effectively. These resources may include online templates for correspondence, guided pathways for compliance, and access to specialist legal and technical support.

By implementing these measures, the safety of residents in tower blocks will be improved and the new regulations will begin to create safer living environments.

For ongoing updates on the government’s Building Safety Programme and related initiatives, please visit the GOV.uk website

Approved Document B

Approved Document B (Fire Safety) is a crucial part of the building regulations in England, outlining essential guidelines and standards to ensure the safety of occupants in residential and non-residential buildings from fire hazards. Before the Grenfell Tower fire, it primarily addressed fire resistance, escape routes, and the use of safe building materials. However, following the tragedy at Grenfell, it became clear that significant changes were necessary to address glaring deficiencies in fire safety measures. The updated Approved Document B, which will be implemented in 2025, aims to enhance fire safety standards by introducing stricter regulations for materials, fire safety documentation, and the inclusion of automatic sprinkler systems in new care homes, reflecting a commitment to prevent future tragedies and protect the lives of residents.

The current status of Approved Document B (Fire Safety) in England reflects significant updates and planned amendments aimed at improving fire safety standards. Here are the latest updates:

Key Updates and Amendments

2025 Changes: As of March 2025, amendments to Approved Document B introduce stricter fire safety provisions. These include enhanced fire safety information requirements under Regulation 38, mandating detailed records about fire-resistant materials and safety systems for future occupants.
Legacy Standards Removal: The outdated national fire test classifications (BS 476) have been fully withdrawn, requiring all materials to meet the stricter European standard (BS EN 13501) for reaction-to-fire testing.
Care Home Sprinklers: New care homes must now install automatic sprinkler systems, addressing vulnerabilities in buildings housing vulnerable residents.

2026 and 2029 Roadmap

Second Staircase Requirements: Future updates (expected by 2026/2029) will formalise guidance for second staircases in residential buildings over 18m, though this remains under consultation.
Ongoing Revisions: Further amendments will address fire door standards and evacuation protocols, with deadlines specified in the government’s 2020 workplan.

Compliance and Transition

Regulation 38 Updates: Updated guidance clarifies responsibilities for providing fire safety information to building owners, emphasising digital record-keeping for the "Golden Thread."
Transition Periods: Existing projects may follow earlier standards until 2026 for sprinklers and material classifications, ensuring minimal supply chain disruption.