Fire Angel: Data-led solutions needed for UK housing safety, says Beechener

by Building ManagementFeatured NewsFire DetectionSafety

Widespread safety issues identified in RSH inspections

On 30 April 2025, the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) published judgements following inspections of 18 local councils across England.

According to the regulator, the assessments found several cases of non-compliance with consumer standards across social housing stock.

The findings included outdated property surveys, uncompleted fire safety actions and repair backlogs, and inadequate systems for addressing tenant concerns.

Fire Angel Business Development Manager Andrew Beechener said the report reflected systemic failures that could place vulnerable tenants at increased risk.

Beechener said: “The judgments published by the RSH have revealed multiple failures by landlords across the country to meet consumer standards in social housing properties.

“With vulnerable people accounting for more than a quarter of social housing residents in the UK, it becomes even more critical to be equipped with up to date information to mitigate risks to safety.

“The Regulator of Social Housing is a cornerstone of independent safeguarding for tenants in public sector accommodation.

“This recent report by the body highlights the need for smarter solutions to improve safety and to provide sharper insight of housing stock in order to protect individual residents under the duty of care of housing associations.”

Technology can support early identification of risk

In response to the regulator’s findings, Fire Angel highlighted how connected technologies could support housing providers in detecting issues earlier and reducing potential harm.

Beechener said: “Connected technology can provide real-time information on building disrepair, damp and mould, and safety alarm triggers – therefore providing social landlords with a picture of risk in individual properties across a housing portfolio.

“It also brings greater transparency and the opportunity for two-way communication between landlords and tenants.”

The company outlined how the use of Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) can allow social landlords to analyse building data more effectively and take pre-emptive steps.

According to Beechener, the aim is to move from reactive approaches to proactive intervention supported by data.

Fire Angel example shows real-time safety alerts

Fire Angel’s own connected platform, Predict®, uses data collected from IoT-enabled devices to create a live risk profile of properties.

Beechener explained how its system works by learning from activity patterns and triggering alerts when signs of danger emerge.

Beechener said: “FireAngel’s Predict®, as an example of this, uses real-time data from IoT-enabled devices and AI to assess safety risk by identifying usage patterns and attributing a risk level.

“An example of this could be a notification of the high frequency of a smoke alarm being triggered the hallway.

“This information creates a window of opportunity in which prompt, early intervention not only mitigates cost but can prevent a problem from becoming a crisis.

“This would be acted upon by Fire & Rescue Services, social worker or supporting function within the property management, resulting in a pre-emptive action to reduce the risk of a life-threatening situation.”

Predictive data can improve tenant engagement

In addition to improving oversight of housing stock, Fire Angel noted that connected systems can help foster better tenant–landlord communication.

Beechener said such tools provide more responsive safety services and can allow tenants to feel more secure in their homes.

The technology also enables landlords to respond more quickly to issues and to demonstrate compliance with safety requirements.

Beechener added: “By introducing connected technologies such as IoT and AI, housing associations can be smarter in order to better protect tenants, whilst providing peace of mind and reassurance to tenants.”

RSH judgements stress need for strategic reform

The RSH judgements cover multiple local authority housing providers in England.

They form part of a wider effort to ensure compliance with the Social Housing Regulation Act and to raise consumer standards.

The regulator has stated that all landlords must have accurate data, timely repairs, and systems that allow tenants to raise concerns.

The April 2025 report reflects a broader trend in the housing sector, where digital tools are increasingly being looked to as a means of managing complex portfolios.

Fire Angel has argued that without embracing such tools, risks to resident safety may remain hidden until incidents occur.

Fire Angel: Data-led solutions needed for UK housing safety, says Beechener: Summary

The Regulator of Social Housing published inspection outcomes for 18 councils on 30 April 2025.

The regulator reported failures to meet consumer standards across social housing properties in England.

Issues included outdated property surveys, fire safety action backlogs, and poor tenant complaint systems.

Andrew Beechener of Fire Angel commented on the findings in a public statement.

Beechener said data and predictive tools are needed to monitor and manage risk.

Fire Angel stated that connected systems allow landlords to assess safety in real time.

Beechener explained how Fire Angel’s Predict® uses AI and IoT to detect risk early.

The company said early detection allows for intervention before risks escalate.

Beechener added that connected technologies can improve landlord–tenant communication.

Fire Angel said the RSH report supports the case for adopting smarter housing safety systems.

Are private firms compromising building control in England?

by Building ManagementConstructionFeatured NewsSafety

Panel will examine commercial conflicts in building control

The Building Control Independent Panel (BCIP) has been established to assess conflicts of interest and capacity concerns in the building control system in England, as reported by the Building Control Independent Panel.

The panel will examine whether those with commercial interests should be allowed to carry out building control functions and whether all such functions should instead be centralised under a national authority.

These questions were raised in the final report of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and form the basis of the panel’s Terms of Reference.

Working with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) and stakeholders, the BCIP will collect evidence on the persistence and effect of conflicts of interest and workforce limitations in both private and local authority building control services.

The panel will also evaluate potential changes that could limit or mitigate these issues, including the use of additional oversight or regulatory tools.

Evidence gathering will extend beyond Grenfell recommendations

The Building Control Independent Panel stated that its review will extend further than the questions posed by the Grenfell Inquiry.

It will examine different decision-making models for building control, using a risk-based approach that considers the type of building and scale of work involved.

The panel will evaluate what levels of inspection, supervision and enforcement are achievable and necessary across building types and timescales.

It will also review existing legislative powers in the Building Safety Act 2022, Building Act 1984 and related regulations before determining whether new legislation may be required.

The panel has also been tasked with considering whether safeguards could enable customer choice to continue in lower-risk buildings while improving reliability and public confidence.

The panel confirmed it would provide advice on how any required system transitions could be managed.

Wider policy aims and housing targets will be considered

The BCIP will align its review with the government’s broader building safety and housing policy goals.

The panel said it will assess how the building control system can help the government meet its aim to deliver 1.5 million new safe homes during this Parliament and beyond.

It will evaluate how proposals for a Single Construction Regulator and a Chief Construction Adviser could support a reformed building control function.

It will also explore how building control could be delivered collaboratively across combined local authorities in support of England’s devolution agenda, as outlined in the English Devolution White Paper.

According to the panel, opportunities for efficiency through data, digitisation and shared services will be examined in relation to oversight by local authorities and the BSR.

Key interdependencies and workforce issues under review

The panel will consider interdependencies with other building safety policy priorities already identified by MHCLG and the BSR.

It will examine building control workforce competence and capacity, performance concerns across both local authority and private sector providers, and the effectiveness of current regulatory protections.

The review will also assess the impact of any new requirements on current training and recruitment systems.

Additional interdependencies include proposed updates to the technical Parts of the Building Regulations, how warranty schemes relate to control systems, and whether reforms to the 2010 Building Regulations and Charges Regulations are needed.

Information sharing between building control bodies and the BSR or government will be reviewed as part of wider data reform.

Membership, working model and reporting schedule set

Dame Judith Hackitt has been appointed Chair of the BCIP.

Panel members include the Rt Hon Nick Raynsford, Dr David Snowball, Elaine Bailey and Ken Rivers.

The group is supported by a Secretariat staffed by MHCLG and advised by policy and delivery teams from both MHCLG and the Building Safety Regulator.

The panel intends to publish an initial assessment in June 2025 and seek further evidence from stakeholders before issuing final recommendations later in the year.

The Terms of Engagement confirm the panel is expected to meet for a minimum of five sessions and dedicate at least 60 hours to the process, with an option to extend to 90 hours after a mid-point review.

All members have completed due diligence checks and are required to declare new conflicts of interest during their appointment.

The Chair will oversee strategic direction, engagement with the sector and media, and be responsible for final outputs and recommendations to ministers.

Building control panel launched to assess oversight and conflict risks: Summary

The Building Control Independent Panel has been formed to advise the UK Government on future oversight of building control in England.

The panel will consider whether commercial involvement should continue in building control services.

It will also assess the potential role of a national authority in delivering building control functions.

The panel will collect evidence on conflicts of interest and workforce capacity issues.

It will consider risks, proportionality and delivery timescales across building types.

The group will evaluate current legal powers and determine if new legislation is needed.

It will align with housing delivery targets and other policy reforms including devolution.

The panel will assess the feasibility of customer choice alongside greater oversight.

It will investigate performance issues across public and private sector building control.

It will review training, data, technical standards, and warranty scheme relationships.

The panel is chaired by Dame Judith Hackitt and supported by MHCLG.

An initial assessment will be published in June 2025.

House of Lords opens inquiry into Building Safety Regulator

by Breaking NewsSafety

Committee seeks evidence on building safety regulation

The House of Lords Industry and Regulators Committee has launched an inquiry into the performance of the Building Safety Regulator, according to the committee’s announcement on 20 June 2025.

The committee, chaired by Baroness Taylor of Bolton, said the inquiry will examine how effectively the regulator is operating since it was established under the Building Safety Act 2022.

The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) was set up within the Health and Safety Executive. It is responsible for overseeing the safety of higher-risk residential buildings across England.

The inquiry will focus on whether the BSR has improved safety standards and how it is affecting the delivery of new homes, including possible delays in the approvals process.

The committee is seeking written submissions from stakeholders across the construction and housing sectors by 31 August 2025.

Review follows post-Grenfell building reforms

The inquiry follows changes introduced after the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, which led to an independent review by Dame Judith Hackitt.

The review recommended a new regulatory framework for higher-risk buildings, which include those over 18 metres tall or with seven or more storeys containing at least two residential units.

The government accepted these recommendations, and the BSR was formally established in 2022 through the Building Safety Act.

The regulator oversees design and construction standards for higher-risk buildings. It does not directly approve construction of lower-risk buildings but regulates the inspectors and control bodies that do.

The committee’s inquiry will consider whether this system is effective and proportionate.

Industry concerns over delays and delivery

According to the House of Lords announcement, some housing sector stakeholders have raised concerns that the BSR’s approval process is contributing to delays in building new homes.

These concerns are particularly relevant to the government’s aim of delivering 1.5 million homes during the next Parliament.

The committee will examine to what extent the BSR’s regulatory framework affects housing delivery timelines.

It will also assess whether the regulator’s processes are sufficiently clear for developers and whether staffing levels support timely decisions.

Baroness Taylor of Bolton said: “The safety of residents in higher-risk buildings was at the heart of the Building Safety Regulator being set up in 2022.”

She added: “The Committee wants to hear from all stakeholders to find out if the BSR has the skills and resources required to ensure the safety of all buildings and its residents in the process of approving applications for high-rise buildings.”

She continued: “This is crucial if the Government is going to achieve its manifesto target of building 1.5 million homes over the next Parliament.”

Key questions for stakeholders to address

The committee is inviting written evidence from a range of stakeholders, including safety professionals, local authorities, architects, housing associations and resident groups.

It is seeking views on whether the BSR has made buildings safer and if its approach to regulation is appropriate.

Other areas of interest include the regulator’s role in multidisciplinary assessments and the clarity of its processes.

The committee is also asking how the BSR’s framework compares with building safety approaches in other countries.

Questions include whether its work aligns effectively with the regulation of construction products and whether its collaboration with building control authorities is functioning properly.

Inquiry timeline and expected outcomes

The committee will hold public evidence sessions between June and September 2025.

Written submissions must be submitted by 31 August 2025.

According to the committee, the aim is to present findings to the House of Lords in Autumn 2025.

The evidence gathered will be used to assess the current regulatory system and determine whether reforms are needed.

The inquiry forms part of broader parliamentary scrutiny of post-Grenfell safety measures.

House of Lords opens inquiry into Building Safety Regulator: Summary

The House of Lords Industry and Regulators Committee has launched an inquiry into the Building Safety Regulator.

The regulator was created by the Building Safety Act 2022 following the Grenfell Tower fire and Hackitt Review.

It is part of the Health and Safety Executive.

It regulates higher-risk residential buildings in England.

The committee is chaired by Baroness Taylor of Bolton.

Written submissions must be made by 31 August 2025.

Public sessions will run between June and September 2025.

Concerns have been raised about approval delays under the regulator.

The inquiry will assess impacts on housing delivery.

It will examine whether the regulator has adequate resources and staff.

It will consider how clear and workable its processes are for developers.

The committee will compare the UK system with international approaches.

Findings will be reported to the House of Lords in Autumn 2025.

Early collaboration supports UK compliance with building safety legislation, says AEI

by ConstructionFeatured NewsSafety

Supply chain collaboration helps meet legislation requirements

Early cooperation between suppliers and partners is improving industry response to new legal duties in the United Kingdom.

AEI Cables has reported that increased engagement across the construction supply chain is helping stakeholders meet the requirements of the Building Safety Act 2022.

The legislation applies to high-risk buildings in England, defined as those over 18 metres tall or with seven or more storeys containing at least two residential units.

AEI Cables general manager Stuart Dover said: “We believe in early collaboration on our own projects and the feedback we are receiving suggests that close working between all parties in the supply chain is helping to meet the requirements of this new legislation.”

The company said that this approach is receiving positive responses from industry professionals, particularly in relation to complex safety documentation requirements.

The role of the Building Safety Act and regulator

The Building Safety Act 2022 introduces new responsibilities for the design, construction and occupation of high-rise buildings.

According to AEI Cables, the Act includes a ‘Golden Thread’ requirement, meaning that accurate and accessible safety information must be kept for the full life of a building.

This includes information relevant to fire and structural safety, and must be accessible to the people who need it.

The Act also creates a new Building Safety Regulator, which will oversee building safety and performance in England.

The regulator will focus on high-rise residential buildings and will have responsibility for improving competence among building control officers, tradespeople and other professionals.

The company added that the regulator’s remit is to promote organisational capability across the sector.

Cable standards and fire performance categories

AEI Cables has been providing guidance on the use of Category 3 Control fire performance cables, in line with the revised British Standard BS 8519:2020.

These cables are designed to maintain circuit integrity during fire and limit the spread of smoke and toxic gases.

According to AEI Cables, systems powered by these cables include smoke and heat extraction, which support safe evacuation and assist fire and rescue services during operations.

The company stated that this applies particularly to systems such as emergency voice communications, evacuation alarms for disabled people, and voice alarm systems in high-occupancy buildings.

Relevant premises listed in the guidance include hospitals, tall buildings, shopping centres, office developments and sports venues.

Approval and certification for high-performance cables

AEI Cables said its Firetec Enhanced range is approved to both Category 2 and Category 3 Control as defined in Annex B of BS 8519.

This approval has been granted by LPCB, an independent certification body for fire safety products.

BS 8519 outlines six cable categories based on performance: three for power and three for control, each with specific survival times of 30, 60 or 120 minutes.

The company noted that this classification helps ensure appropriate cable selection based on building use and risk.

AEI Cables said its products undergo assessment by other independent bodies including BASEC.

International and UK-specific approvals

In addition to domestic certification, AEI Cables confirmed that its products hold approvals from several UK and international bodies.

The company cited Lloyds, the Ministry of Defence, Network Rail and London Underground among those who have certified its products.

It also said that all of its cable ranges are manufactured in line with international standards.

According to AEI Cables, these standards support the supply of specialist fire performance cables to projects around the world.

UK suppliers support compliance with building safety legislation: Summary

AEI Cables has reported that early collaboration is supporting industry compliance with new UK legislation.

The Building Safety Act 2022 applies to high-rise residential buildings in England.

The Act requires a full record of safety information known as the Golden Thread.

It also establishes a Building Safety Regulator to oversee building performance.

AEI Cables said guidance is helping meet updated British Standards for fire cables.

Category 3 Control cables are used in critical life safety systems.

These systems include evacuation alarms and emergency voice communications.

AEI Cables said its Firetec Enhanced range is approved to BS 8519 Category 3 Control.

Approvals were granted by LPCB, an independent testing body.

The British Standard includes survival times of up to 120 minutes.

AEI Cables noted additional certifications from BASEC and other authorities.

UK approvals include the MoD, Network Rail and London Underground.

The company said all products comply with international manufacturing standards.

It stated that early collaboration helps meet documentation and safety requirements.

The company confirmed positive feedback from clients using the guidance.

Sharjah building fire systems under inspection in summer readiness drive

by Building ManagementFeatured NewsSafety

Joint inspection campaign targets faulty fire alert systems

A large-scale inspection of building fire alarm systems has begun across Sharjah, according to local media reports.

The campaign is being carried out by Saned Facility Management in cooperation with the Sharjah Civil Defence Authority and the Sharjah Prevention and Safety Authority.

According to local media, the initiative aims to identify faults in early warning systems using data collected from the Aman system, which links building fire alarms to emergency control rooms.

Saned Facility Management stated that the first stage of the programme focuses on properties flagged by the Aman system as having technical issues.

Building owners and managers are being contacted and advised to complete repairs through Civil Defence-approved maintenance providers.

The goal is to improve the response time to incidents and reduce the likelihood of property damage or casualties caused by fire.

Aman system used to pinpoint alert faults

The Aman system monitors connected fire alarms and transmits data to the General Directorate of Civil Defence and Saned’s operations centre.

This allows emergency teams to receive alerts immediately when a fire occurs and locate the source quickly.

The data also enables performance monitoring, allowing authorities to track trends and identify problems in early warning equipment.

The system is part of Sharjah’s broader effort to deploy digital tools for fire prevention across buildings and public infrastructure.

Saned said the campaign is ongoing and performance will be reviewed continuously, though no fixed end date has been announced.

Saned highlights importance of maintenance compliance

Eng. Hamid Al Zarouni, Managing Director at Saned Facility Management, said: “At Saned, we are committed to enhancing the efficiency of the public safety system in the Emirate of Sharjah through the early warning system ‘Aman,’ which stands as a top operational priority for us.

“It is considered one of the key pillars of the smart protection system implemented across buildings and facilities in Sharjah.

“The system plays a vital role in minimizing the risk and occurrence of fires by enabling rapid response from rescue and firefighting teams at the Sharjah Civil Defence Authority, thereby helping to prevent human and material losses through early fire detection.”

Al Zarouni added: “Our ongoing partnership with the Sharjah Civil Defence Authority and the Sharjah Prevention and Safety Authority reflects our commitment to supporting government efforts in promoting proactive prevention practices and achieving the highest standards of safety and readiness to protect lives and property.

“It also contributes to building a safe and sustainable environment in the Emirate of Sharjah.”

Long-term campaign to track improvements

The joint committee leading the campaign stated that inspections will continue without a fixed deadline.

Performance data gathered from the Aman system will be used to evaluate how quickly emergency teams respond to alarms and how effectively faults are being addressed.

Property owners are being encouraged to take responsibility for system upkeep by working with approved providers.

Al Zarouni said: “We urge property owners, developers, and management and operations companies to swiftly contract with qualified and approved service providers to carry out and continue preventive maintenance operations, ensuring the protection of lives and assets.”

Saned Facility Management is a subsidiary of Sharjah Asset Management Company, the investment body of the Sharjah Government.

Sharjah building fire systems under inspection in summer readiness drive: Summary

Saned Facility Management has launched a building inspection campaign in Sharjah.

The programme is being run in partnership with the Sharjah Civil Defence Authority and the Sharjah Prevention and Safety Authority.

The inspections are informed by data from the Aman early warning system.

The Aman system connects fire alarms in buildings to control rooms at Civil Defence and Saned.

Properties with detected faults are being prioritised for review.

Property owners are being urged to use Civil Defence-approved providers for repairs.

Eng. Hamid Al Zarouni of Saned said the Aman system is central to Sharjah’s fire prevention strategy.

The campaign will continue without a fixed end date.

Performance data will be used to assess emergency response times and system effectiveness.

Saned Facility Management is owned by Sharjah Asset Management Company.

Fusion21 names suppliers to £800m UK building safety framework

by ConstructionFeatured NewsSafety

Framework launched to support building compliance in public sector

Fusion21 has reported the appointment of 145 suppliers to its national Building Safety and Compliance Framework in the United Kingdom.

The four-year framework is valued at up to £800 million and was developed under the Public Contracts Regulations 2015.

Fusion21 stated that 81% of awarded suppliers are small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The framework is designed to help public sector organisations manage building safety obligations and demonstrate compliance under the Building Safety Act 2022.

According to Fusion21, the new framework includes a dedicated lot for sprinkler and mist systems.

It comprises twelve separate service areas covering asbestos management, legionella control, fire safety, passive and active fire protection, electronic security, and related areas.

Peter Francis, Group Executive Director (Operations) at Fusion21, said: “Our members continue to invest heavily to ensure the buildings they manage are safe.”

He continued: “With the introduction of the Building Safety Act (BSA 2022), the responsibility to ensure building compliance has grown, and we’re delighted to be able to continue supporting our members with this framework renewal as part of our ‘big six’ offer.”

Suppliers awarded across twelve building safety service lots

Fusion21 confirmed that the framework is divided into twelve lots.

These include fire risk assessments, asbestos removal, legionella consultancy, passive fire protection and warden call systems.

The organisation explained that feedback from stakeholders informed the framework design.

Peter Francis added: “Having listened to member and supplier feedback, we’ve created a new generation of the Building Safety and Compliance Framework, suitable for all building types across the public sector.”

He stated: “Working with a team of technical procurement experts and pre-qualified suppliers, our members will benefit from a fast route to market and flexible call-off options.”

SMEs form majority of appointed suppliers

Fusion21 stated that 81% of the successful suppliers are SMEs.

The organisation explained that this reflects a commitment to supporting diverse supplier bases.

It also said that this structure helps drive economic value within communities.

Francis said: “As with all Fusion21 frameworks, this latest framework enables our members to deliver social value they can see in communities, aligned with their organisational priorities.”

The company confirmed that the suppliers will provide both regional and national coverage.

Supplier list includes multidisciplinary and specialist firms

Fusion21 released the full list of companies appointed to the framework.

The suppliers include ABCA Systems Limited, BB7 Fire Limited, Harmony Fire Limited, Checkmate Fire Solutions Limited, Ventro Ltd, and Trail Group Limited.

Others include Tunstall Healthcare (UK) Limited, Ridge and Partners LLP, and Triangle Fire Systems Limited.

The selected firms represent a range of consultancy, inspection, engineering, and environmental service providers.

Fusion21 explained that all firms were pre-qualified to meet compliance standards and support building safety objectives under the framework.

Fusion21 appoints suppliers to £800m UK building safety framework: Summary

Fusion21 has appointed 145 suppliers to its national Building Safety and Compliance Framework.

The framework is worth up to £800 million over four years.

It was procured under the Public Contracts Regulations 2015.

Fusion21 reported that 81% of the awarded suppliers are SMEs.

The framework is designed to support public sector organisations in the United Kingdom.

It is split into twelve lots covering asbestos, legionella, fire safety, and electronic systems.

Fusion21 added a dedicated lot for sprinkler and mist systems.

The organisation stated that supplier and member feedback informed the framework’s design.

Fusion21 said the framework supports fast procurement and flexible delivery.

The organisation stated that the suppliers will provide national and regional services.

Fusion21 explained that the framework aligns with Building Safety Act 2022 obligations.

It said the framework supports the delivery of community-based social value.

Fusion21 published a list of all appointed suppliers.

Unsafe cladding remediation data: England update

by ConstructionFeatured NewsSafety

Nearly half of high-rise residential buildings with unsafe cladding still awaiting full remediation

According to the Fire Protection Association, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has published updated figures on the remediation of high-rise residential buildings with unsafe cladding in England.

As of the end of March 2025, 5,031 residential buildings 11 metres and over in height have been identified as having unsafe cladding.

MHCLG reported that remediation work has either started or been completed on 2,459 of these buildings, with 1,637 having completed the process.

Progress reported across safety funding schemes

The Fire Protection Association reported that 824 buildings have been confirmed as eligible for support through the Building Safety Fund.

Of the remaining 2,861 registered for the scheme, 456 have been transferred to developers and 121 to the Cladding Safety Scheme.

There are now 617 buildings eligible under the Cladding Safety Scheme, and 602 of these have signed Grant Funding Agreements.

This represents an increase of 37 signed agreements since the previous reporting period in February 2025.

Developer remediation and social housing data

MHCLG confirmed that 4,648 buildings are within scope of the developer remediation contract.

Of these, 844 buildings have been identified with life-critical fire safety defects which developers are responsible for addressing.

The Regulator of Social Housing has reported that 2,718 social housing buildings 11 metres or taller have been identified with cladding-related fire safety defects.

Of these, 857 buildings have completed remediation works.

A total of 1,915 of the affected social buildings were reported by registered providers during their most recent assessment.

Local authority enforcement activity increases

The Fire Protection Association noted that enforcement action has now been taken against 537 buildings over 11 metres in height with unsafe cladding.

This reflects an increase of five buildings since the February 2025 update.

Local authorities have undertaken 156 inspections with Joint Inspection Team support across 153 buildings.

Out of the 537 buildings with enforcement activity, 122 were rated Category 1 and 360 as Category 2 under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System.

MHCLG stated: “Of the 537 buildings, we are aware that at least 194 improvement notices, 54 hazard awareness notices and 1 prohibition order have been served to date. Some buildings may have received multiple notices. We understand that 44 of the improvement notices have been subject to appeals.”

Unsafe cladding remediation data: England update – Summary

The Fire Protection Association reported that 5,031 residential buildings 11 metres and over in height in England have been identified with unsafe cladding.

MHCLG stated that 2,459 of these buildings have either started or completed remediation works.

A total of 1,637 buildings have completed remediation.

MHCLG is monitoring an additional 17 buildings since February 2025.

Thirty-one more buildings are known to have started or completed remediation, including 18 that have completed it.

The Building Safety Fund has confirmed eligibility for 824 buildings.

456 buildings have been transferred to developers and 121 to the Cladding Safety Scheme.

617 buildings are eligible under the Cladding Safety Scheme, with 602 having signed Grant Funding Agreements.

MHCLG confirmed 4,648 buildings are under the developer remediation contract.

844 of those buildings have life-critical fire safety defects.

2,718 social housing buildings have been identified with fire-safety cladding defects.

857 social housing buildings have completed remediation.

Enforcement action has been taken against 537 buildings over 11 metres in height.

194 improvement notices, 54 hazard awareness notices and 1 prohibition order have been issued.

44 of the improvement notices are under appeal.

Government appoints Dame Judith Hackitt to review building control oversight

by ConstructionFeatured NewsPeopleSafety

Panel established in response to Grenfell Inquiry recommendations

As reported by the Fire Protection Association, the UK government has appointed Dame Judith Hackitt to chair a new panel tasked with reviewing the building control sector.

The appointment forms part of the government’s official response to Phase 2 of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

Fire Minister Alex Norris MP announced the decision at a Housing, Communities, and Local Government (HCLG) committee meeting.

He said the panel will “assess and bring forward ideas” to improve how local authorities manage building control functions.

The Grenfell Inquiry recommended the creation of an independent panel to determine whether it remains appropriate for parties with commercial interests to carry out building control work.

It also proposed exploring whether all building control functions should be centralised under a national body.

Dame Judith Hackitt to draw on industry collaboration

Dame Judith Hackitt currently chairs the Industry Safety Steering Group and is known for her 2018 Building a Safer Future report, which addressed issues in building and fire safety regulation.

That report followed the Grenfell Tower fire and focused on multi-occupancy high-rise residential buildings.

According to Norris: “We’ve asked Judith to convene her own team.

“She leads an industry group, a coalition of the willing within the construction industry who want to raise and change standards.”

He added: “She is going to pull her group of people from that, so it will be senior leaders from the industry who have put their hands up and said the industry needs to change. That is very positive.”

Capacity challenges and skills shortages identified

Norris addressed the broader challenges affecting building control services.

He highlighted that the system suffers from capacity issues, which mirror similar concerns about the number of qualified fire risk assessors.

He said: “Unless you have enough high-quality building control professionals available in an environment where they do not have conflicts or perverse incentives, you are not going to have a safe environment. We are highly motivated in this space.”

He also acknowledged the long-term risks facing the sector: “We have a workforce profile that means not only do we have problems now, we will have very significant problems if we don’t act.”

Panel formation reflects wider regulatory reform efforts

The decision to establish this panel is part of a broader set of regulatory reforms following the Grenfell Tower fire.

The Inquiry’s Phase 2 findings have focused attention on conflicts of interest in the construction sector, as well as structural issues affecting public safety.

The appointment was first announced in February 2025 and reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to meet the Inquiry’s recommendations.

Norris stated that funding had already been directed toward increasing the number of building control professionals.

He noted that additional investment may be required to address persistent workforce shortages.

Government appoints Dame Judith Hackitt to review building control oversight: Summary

The UK government has appointed Dame Judith Hackitt to chair a panel reviewing the local authority building control system.

The announcement was made by Fire Minister Alex Norris MP during a meeting of the HCLG committee.

It forms part of the government’s response to Phase 2 of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

The Inquiry recommended reviewing the role of commercial interests in building control and assessing whether functions should be centralised under a national authority.

Dame Judith, author of the 2018 Building a Safer Future report, will draw on a group of senior industry leaders for the review.

Norris said that workforce capacity remains a major challenge and indicated further investment may be needed to increase the number of qualified building control professionals.

The government has previously committed funding to this area.

The appointment was announced in February 2025.

Building control approval for higher-risk buildings: Guidance from the Building Safety Regulator

by Breaking NewsConstructionSafety

Application process applies to high-rise residential, care and hospital buildings in England

The UK Health and Safety Executive has published updated guidance detailing how to apply for building control approval from the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) for work involving higher-risk buildings in England.

Higher-risk buildings are defined as those that are at least 18 metres tall or have seven or more storeys, and either contain at least two residential units or are used as hospitals or care homes.

The guidance outlines when approval is required, how to apply, and the obligations of clients during building projects.

It also explains the classification of building work, exemptions, emergency procedures, and what happens after an application is submitted.

According to the Health and Safety Executive, building work on higher-risk buildings must not begin until building control approval has been granted.

Failing to obtain approval beforehand is a criminal offence.

Clients must ensure applications are accurate and submitted before work begins

Under the regulations, it is the client’s legal responsibility to make sure that an application for building control approval is submitted and approved before any work on a higher-risk building starts.

Clients may nominate someone else to handle the submission process, but responsibility for compliance remains with the client.

Building control approval is required for new higher-risk buildings, work that results in a building becoming or ceasing to be higher-risk, and most work on existing higher-risk buildings unless it is classified as exempt or conducted under a recognised competent person scheme.

Approval is not needed for non-higher-risk buildings.

In such cases, control remains with local authorities or registered building control approvers.

Applications vary based on project scope and must follow defined categories

The process for applying differs depending on whether the project involves a new higher-risk building or work on an existing one.

For new construction, applicants can choose to submit one full application or apply in stages if the project is complex.

In all cases, a single application should be submitted for connected buildings that share common parts such as car parks or walls.

Work on existing higher-risk buildings must be categorised correctly.

Category A includes structural alterations and changes affecting fire safety systems or escape routes.

Category B includes all other work.

Applications submitted under the wrong category may be rejected.

Emergency repairs addressing immediate health or safety risks can be undertaken without prior approval, but BSR must be notified by the end of the next working day.

Approval, inspections, and completion certification processes

Once an application is submitted, the BSR checks that it includes all necessary information.

Applications that pass validation are assessed within 12 weeks for new buildings or 8 weeks for existing buildings, unless otherwise agreed.

Decisions may include approval, conditional approval with further requirements, or rejection.

If rejected, the applicant will receive reasons and can request a review or appeal to a First-tier Tribunal.

After approval, clients must notify the BSR at various stages of the project and comply with a defined inspection schedule.

Any major changes to the project must be submitted for additional approval.

When construction is complete, clients must apply for a completion certificate.

A building with two or more residential units must also be registered with BSR before it can be occupied.

Building control approval for higher-risk buildings: Summary

The Building Safety Regulator, part of the UK Health and Safety Executive, requires building control approval for construction or building work on higher-risk buildings in England.

These buildings are defined as those with at least 18 metres in height or seven storeys, and either containing two or more residential units, or operating as hospitals or care homes.

Clients are legally responsible for ensuring that building control approval is granted before any work starts.

Applications must follow specific processes depending on whether the building is new or existing, and must be categorised appropriately.

Emergency repairs are allowed without prior approval but must be reported to BSR the next working day.

Applications are validated and assessed by BSR, who will issue a decision to approve, approve with requirements, or reject.

Approved projects must follow inspection and change notification protocols.

Upon completion, a certificate must be obtained, and buildings with residential units must be registered with BSR before occupation.

Charges apply according to the BSR’s published scheme.

NFCC calls for centralised programme to address unsafe building remediation barriers

by Associations and OrganisationsBreaking NewsBuilding ManagementConstructionSafety

NFCC highlights challenges in building remediation efforts

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has called for a centrally coordinated programme to overcome barriers to remediating unsafe buildings.

Publishing a new Industry White Paper on Remediation, NFCC states that while some progress has been made, significant challenges remain.

These include difficulties in identifying and inspecting affected buildings, workforce shortages, and funding pressures.

NFCC is urging the Government to increase the use of sprinklers in existing residential buildings over 11 metres based on risk assessments.

The council also highlights concerns about the slow pace of remediation efforts and the impact of limited fire safety resources.

Remediation targets and ongoing concerns

The Government’s Remediation Acceleration Plan, published in December, aims to complete remediation of all buildings over 18 metres within government-funded initiatives by the end of 2029.

Buildings over 11 metres with safety defects should either be remediated or have a clear completion timeline by the same deadline.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) estimates that up to 12,000 buildings over 11 metres need remediation.

However, 60% of affected buildings have yet to be identified.

According to NFCC, reviewing or inspecting all mid-rise residential buildings between 11 and 18 metres could take between 12.76 and 24.23 years, with costs ranging from £284.24 million to £608.82 million.

Funding and workforce challenges

Fire and rescue services continue to face increasing responsibilities, including the effects of extreme weather events and ongoing inflationary pressures.

NFCC states that many services will experience real-term funding reductions under next year’s local government financial settlement.

Even with additional funding, NFCC warns that workforce shortages in the construction and fire safety sectors would hinder progress.

Training fire engineers takes three to five years, and many professionals move to higher-paying private sector roles.

The limited availability of qualified personnel has also contributed to wage inflation.

NFCC is calling on the Government to develop a cross-departmental Construction Skills Strategy to address the shortfall in fire engineers, fire risk assessors, and other key roles.

Call for regulatory and competency reforms

The NFCC’s White Paper also urges the Government to implement recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report.

These include measures to improve occupational regulation and competency in fire safety professions.

The council is also advocating for updates to building regulations guidance to ensure compliance with the Building Regulations 2010.

NFCC states that a more coordinated and strategic approach is needed to prevent further delays and ensure that residents in unsafe buildings receive necessary protections.

NFCC Chair Mark Hardingham said: “The Grenfell Tower fire was a national tragedy, and yet nearly eight years on, not enough progress has been made in addressing issues in the built environment.

“We need to put the proper processes in place now to fully identify and remove the barriers to remediation, to manage risk and ensure people are protected.”

NFCC calls for centralised programme to address unsafe building remediation barriers: Summary

NFCC has published an Industry White Paper on Remediation, calling for a centrally coordinated approach to address barriers in remediating unsafe buildings.

Challenges include workforce shortages, difficulties in identifying affected buildings, and funding pressures.

The Government’s Remediation Acceleration Plan aims to complete remediation of all high-rise buildings within government-funded schemes by 2029.

However, NFCC warns that existing capacity constraints mean that reviewing or inspecting mid-rise buildings could take up to 24 years.

The council is urging the Government to introduce a Construction Skills Strategy to address shortages in fire safety professionals.

NFCC is also calling for regulatory reforms and increased use of sprinklers in residential buildings over 11 metres.

NFCC Chair Mark Hardingham and Protection Committee Chair Dave Russel stress the need for urgent action to avoid further delays and ensure the safety of residents in affected buildings.