Building regulations - proposed review of fire safety topics: analysis of responses

8. Proposed delivery programme

The consultation paper outlines three stages of the proposed updated programme to deliver the current fire safety standards review and the commitment on recommendations from the Cameron House Hotel Inquiry.

Stage 1 is to develop policy and lay regulations. This stage spans from December 2024 to October 2025 and includes this consultation, setting out principles, supporting processes to allow for changes, continuing research, consultation analysis and impact assessments, recommendations to Ministers, and submission to seek approval to lay amendments to The Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004.

Stage 2 is to develop and deliver guidance documents. This spans Summer/ Autumn/Winter 2025 and involves published revised standards/guidance in Technical Handbooks, amended regulations/standards/guidance.

Stage 3 involved the revised standards coming into force. This stage spans from Winter 2025/early 2026 and includes amended regulations/standards/guidance coming into force, and dissemination events.

Q29. Do you agree with the proposal for amended regulations, standards and guidance to come into force early 2026?

High levels of support were given for the proposed timetable to implement the amended policy, with 84% of respondents who answered in favour compared to 3% who were not, and 13% who were unsure. All local authorities agreed with the proposal.

Two fifths of all respondents left a comment at Q29. The most prevalent themes were the need for sufficient lead-in time and associated actions, the need for timely action, and general agreement.

Lead-in time and actions required

Some respondents highlighted the need for lead-in time and other actions to ensure the industry is ready for any changes. Comments suggested a lead-in time between the publication of new standards and guidance and their taking effect, allowing the industry time to prepare for the changes. Two respondents specified this should be a minimum of six months. Other suggestions included having dissemination events, clearly explaining transition arrangements, industry awareness raising and training, and discussions with the passive fire protection sector on timescales for BS 476 changes.

The need for timely action

Some respondents suggested quickly updating guidelines and standards, as it was generally felt that safety improvements are best implemented as soon as practicable.

General agreement and disagreement

Two respondents agreed with the proposal for amended regulations, standards, and guidance to come into force in early 2026. One noted that this would allow adequate time for the required policy-making and implementation. Conversely, one respondent disagreed due to the guidance review still taking place, with an outcome yet to be published.

Regular updates and alignment with England

One respondent suggested that updates to the Building Standards technical Handbooks should only occur a maximum of once per year, and at the same time each year. Another respondent commented that it should be kept in line with the England transition in September 2029, besides the fire resistance testing requirement.