A new long-term strategy for the construction professions has been revealed at the same time as the government published a new prospectus for the single construction regulator.
The government promised to reveal the strategy along with reforms to building regulations and construction products to boost building safety, quality and productivity.
On Wednesday (17 December), the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) said it would publish a strategy for “the building professions, including wider trades and occupations, which sets out a clear, unified plan for regulatory and non-regulatory reform at a government, industry and individual level”.
That will sit alongside “parallel reforms to building regulations and construction products to provide long-term benefits for building safety, quality and productivity, as well as supporting greater capacity, skills and investment in the workforce”, it added.
Minister for Building Safety, Fire and Democracy Samantha Dixon said the proposed reforms aim to bring “coherence to a fragmented regulatory system, crucial to our mission for economic growth”.
“Alongside the building professions, we want to create a new framework to underpin the competence, skills and conduct of those working in the industry,” she added.
“We will create the right conditions for innovation while raising standards and restoring trust.”
The department will launch a call for evidence on the plans next year.
Single regulator
The government also revealed that the new construction regulator will take on all the functions of the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) once it has been set up. The BSR was established under the Building Safety Act 2022, but the construction regulator will now “take over its responsibilities as part of a carefully planned transition”, as well as its regulatory responsibilities.
The Grenfell Inquiry recommended the formation of the regulator following the inquiry into the fire in 2017, where 72 people died.
But the MHCLG said it would “go further than purely the areas highlighted by the inquiry, to take a holistic view of regulation, competence and culture across all those operating in the built environment sector”.
It also launched a consultation on plans for the single construction regulator, asking for feedback on 14 separate points, focusing on the regulator’s priorities, its proposed use of digital tools and how to change the behaviour of the sector.
The MHCLG proposed that the regulator enables companies and individuals to “thrive when they operate in the interests of current and future building users”, and should aim to create “safe [and] high-performing buildings” and “deliver a healthy, accessible, secure, and sustainable environment for occupants”.
It should also focus on ensuring building products are “fit for their purpose”, with accurate product information for building users. Building users should also be able to trust the system will prioritise their safety and needs.
The MHCLG expects to publish a response to the consultation in summer 2026.
Dixon added: “Government and industry both have important roles to play in improving standards and pushing for positive cultural change which is badly needed.
“Those who don’t play by the rules must face real consequences. Those who prioritise safety and quality will thrive.”
Read More
Joshua Stein