UK government opens consultation on creation of a single construction regulator

The UK government has begun a consultation to develop a single construction regulator.

It follows recommendations made in Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s Phase 2 report.

“The proposed changes intend to reduce fragmentation in how the sector is regulated and drive culture change in the industry,” the government said.

The ICE welcomed the consultation, which closes 20 March 2026.

Higher Risk Buildings (HRBs) Register

Earlier this year, the ICE and the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) launched the registration process for the Higher Risk Buildings (HRB) Register, also in response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy

The register aims to assure clients, the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) and others that registered engineers involved in the design of HRBs possess the legally required skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours.

What are classed as Higher-Risk Buildings?

HRBs are defined by the Building Safety Act. An HRB in England is a minimum of 18m tall or has at least seven storeys, and contains at least two residential units or is a care home or hospital.

Why was the register developed?

The new register was developed in response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy, aligning with the Building Safety Act’s objective to raise standards in the industry following the fire. The relevant supporting regulations came into force for duty holders in England in October 2023.

The act also appointed the UK government's Health and Safety Executive as the new BSR.

Hackitt report

The creation of the BSR, the building control authority for HRBs, is one of several actions that the government has taken based on the Hackitt report.

In the response to the Grenfell Inquiry report, the UK government confirmed that it will accept these recommendations in full.

Speaking on the response, the ICE’s director general, Dr Janet Young highlighted that the recommendations align with the ICE's call for improved governance and competence, as detailed in its 2018 report, In Plain Sight.