Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommendations: progress update - March 2026

Theme – Building regulation and systems

Recommendation 1 - Single Construction Industry Regulator Consolidation

Reserved area – Yes

Delivery – Reserved matter

Target date – 30/09/2028

Activity since last update

This recommendation relates to matters reserved to the UK Government and we have attended meetings with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and Devolved Administrations (DAs) to gain updates on progress. A Single Construction Regulator Prospectus was published on 17 December 2025 seeking views on the development of a single construction regulator. A key part of the regulatory reform affects the regime for construction products and this is the main element that will apply in Scotland. The Cabinet Secretary for Housing has written to the Secretary of State offering support for reform with emphasis on the need for a robust regime for construction product regulation.

Planned activity

We will continue to engage with MHCLG and DAs on this to hear about next steps after the consultation period has closed on 20 March 2026.

Further information - Single construction regulator prospectus - GOV.UK.

Recommendation 2 - Higher Risk Building Definition Review

Reserved area – No

Delivery – Primary legislation

Target date – 30/09/2028

Activity since last update

Overall Delivery Timeline: Delivery is associated with changes to primary legislation. Our response to the Grenfell Inquiry’s final report set out that further legislation will be required subject to consultation and agreement by the Parliament.

In the interim the Scottish Government has introduced Local Authority Verifier led guidance to implement the principles of the Compliance Plan Approach to building warrant projects by December 2025. The definition of high risk buildings is wider than that set out within the Building Safety Act. All buildings within our definition of high-risk buildings would be subject to the new compliance plan approach when being built or having warrantable work carried out.

Supporting documents - High risk buildings - verification during construction: phase 1 of compliance plan approach - verifiers guidance - gov.scot.

Planned activity

High-Risk Buildings definition will be re-considered and defined before May 2026 in preparation for future legislative change, this work is underway and on target.

Further information - Further public consultation underway (including question on scope of High-Risk Building) as part of assessment of impacts for legislative change - Introduction - Scottish building regulations - fire safety review and compliance: call for evidence - gov.scot.

Recommendation 20 - Principal Designer Safety Statement Requirement

Reserved area – No

Delivery – Primary legislation

Target date – 30/09/2028

Activity since last update

Overall Delivery Timeline: Delivery is associated with changes to primary legislation. Our response to the Grenfell Inquiry’s final report set out that further legislation will be required subject to consultation and agreement by the Parliament.

A review of current and proposed design compliance related statements has been completed. These statements are set out within the building standards legislation and require the various responsible parties to make statements regarding compliance at various stages of design and completion of construction. The option for a design professional to be such a responsible party is under further consideration.

The issue of design statements is being covered under the new compliance plan approach. The introduction of Local Authority Verifier guidance to implement the principles of the Compliance Plan Approach to building warrant projects has been introduced. High risk buildings - verification during construction: phase 1 of compliance plan approach - verifiers guidance - gov.scot.

Planned activity

Forward planning for the multi-year journey to deliver primary legislative amendments, secondary legislation and production of statutory guidance has been undertaken.

Full Compliance Plan Approach for High-Risk Buildings developed by March 2026 for voluntary adoption by industry and future legislative change, this will be completed by the end of March 2026 and published May 2026.

Further information - Further public consultation underway as part of assessment of impacts for legislative change - Introduction - Scottish building regulations - fire safety review and compliance: call for evidence - gov.scot

Recommendation 21 - Higher Risk Building Contractor Licensing Scheme

Reserved area – Yes

Delivery – Reserved matter

Target date – 31/12/2029

Activity since last update

Scottish Government officials met with MHCLG officials on 12 January 2026 to discuss work being progressed on Licensing of Contractors. A policy framework for a licensing scheme is being developed by MHCLG following engagement with stakeholders. This will inform a future options paper and call for evidence later this year.

A review of duty holder responsibilities is being undertaken, with a plan to investigate a licensing scheme across the UK.

We note that the Federation of Masters Buildings have called for a licensing scheme for contractors, but with a remit that is wider than higher risk buildings as covered by the recommendation. Scottish Government officials will continue to engage with industry in Scotland under the Building Standards Futures Board as this work progresses.

Planned activity

We will continue to engage with the UK Government as they progress this recommendation.

Recommendation 22 - Building Control Independence Review

Reserved area – No

Delivery – Primary legislation

Target date – 30/09/2028

Activity since last update

The Building Control Independent Panel was established in April 2025 to consider the impact of commercial pressures and conflicts of interest by building control bodies as highlighted in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report. The issues being considered do not relate to Scotland as there is no mixed public and private sector arrangement which drove the behaviours identified in the report.

Planned activity

We are awaiting the outcome of the Panel’s work to see what impact there may be for Scotland.

In the meantime, Scottish Government Building Standards Division (BSD) is carrying out a review of the pre-emptive building standards system including a review of how verifiers take responsibility for verifying their own building projects. Impartiality and accountability to the public has been give greater prominence in the verification audit process starting in late 2026.

Further information - About us - Building Control Independent Panel - GOV.UK

Recommendation 23 - National Building Control Authority Assessment

Reserved area – Yes

Delivery – Primary legislation

Target date – 30/09/2028

Activity since last update

The context of this recommendation does not align with how the building standards system is delivered in Scotland. The problems identified in the report are about a lack of impartiality driven by commercial interests arising from how the building control function is delivered by both the public and private sectors in England and Wales.

Planned activity

The purpose of this recommendation is to reform the building control function to address the issues arising from commercial interests that were identified in the report. Commercial interests in retaining clients is not a concern in Scotland as everyone wishing to start building work must apply to the local authority verifier for a building warrant.

The Building Standards Futures Board considered a new delivery model to improve consistency of service delivery and this resulted in the Scottish Building Standards Hub which provides support to all verifiers through a Centre of Expertise and a focus on raising competency.

The review of the pre-emptive building standards system and the safeguards in place when verifiers take responsibility for achieving compliance with building regulations for their own local authority building projects will check and assess the rigour applied to maintaining impartiality and accountability to the public. The review will conclude in October 2026.