First Grenfell annual report details progress across construction and fire services

by Associations and OrganisationsBreaking NewsConstructionSafety

Grenfell annual report published in Parliament

The government has published its first annual report on progress implementing the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 recommendations.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government published the report on 25 February 2026 and laid it in Parliament, followed by an oral statement by the Rt Hon Steve Reed OBE MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.

The document groups recommendations under four themes covering the construction industry, fire and rescue services, response and recovery, and vulnerable people including Phase 1 recommendations related to Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans.

A total of 58 Phase 2 recommendations were made to government and responsible organisations, all of which were accepted.

Twelve recommendations have now been implemented, completed and formally discharged, including two remaining Phase 1 recommendations.

Government projections indicate that 70% of recommendations will be closed by the end of 2026.

Quarterly progress reports are scheduled for publication in May, September and December 2026.

Translations of the annual report are also planned.

Report sets out implementation progress across safety, enforcement and remediation

The executive summary provides a breakdown of 28 recommendations linked to the construction industry, 13 related to fire and rescue services, 14 covering response and recovery and six addressing vulnerable people and remaining Phase 1 measures.

Across all themes, 49 recommendations remain in progress and 12 have been completed.

Building safety, fire safety and emergency response functions have now been brought under a single departmental lead.

On 27 January 2026, the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) became an independent legal entity, transferring from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to operate as an arm’s-length body under the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Consultation has also been launched on extending building control requirements to telecommunications works.

Alongside the annual report, a Construction Products Reform White Paper was published outlining regulatory changes, with further consultation underway on introducing a general safety requirement for currently unregulated products and plans to bring forward secondary legislation later in 2026.

A review of statutory building safety guidance is continuing, supported by an expert panel appointed in July 2025, with an interim report expected in spring 2026.

During 2025, more than 1,200 professionals across fire engineering, building control and construction completed updated competency training aligned with new frameworks.

The Fire Engineers Advisory Panel’s competency statement has been adopted by 35 higher education institutions.

The Building Control Independent Panel has reviewed over 220 evidence submissions to inform recommendations due later in 2026.

Regulatory activity has increased, with local regulators issuing 124% more formal notices and conducting 140% more inspections compared with the previous year.

More than 110 building assessments were supported by the Joint Inspection Team, resulting in 15 enforcement actions where risks remained unresolved.

The Remediation Enforcement Unit is scheduled to reach full staffing by the end of March 2026.

By December 2025, remediation work had started or been completed on 2,168 buildings, including 1,475 where remediation was fully complete.

Developers have confirmed remediation pathways for 93% of buildings covered by the Developer Contract, with work started or completed on 41% of buildings with confirmed defects.

More than 4,500 residents have accessed government funded training and rights information, and the expanded Resident Panel has contributed to over 20 policy decisions.

The Make Things Right campaign reached an estimated 1.8 million tenants, contributing to increased early-stage reporting of issues.

Emergency preparedness measures included updated National Resilience Standards training completed by more than 2,000 responders during 2025.

Five Local Resilience Forum Trailblazer areas are testing integrated resilience leadership models, with early findings expected in summer 2026.

Updated statutory guidance on supporting vulnerable residents was published in April 2025.

Memorial legislation and reform programme outlined

The annual report confirms that legislation will be introduced to enable the construction and maintenance of the Grenfell Tower Memorial.

Plans include the creation of both a public memorial space and a private memorial area for those most directly affected, as recommended by an independent panel.

In the ministerial foreword, Reed said: “The tragedy was preventable, and it should have been prevented.”

The report also sets out planned reforms to the construction products regulatory framework through the publication of a white paper and consultation on new safety requirements, with further legislation planned later in 2026.

The MHCLG’s latest appointment signals a turning point for construction accountability

by Building ManagementConstructionFeatured NewsSafety

Thouria Istephan appointed interim Chief Construction Adviser

A new interim Chief Construction Adviser has been appointed by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).

The appointment, announced on 30 September 2025, sees architect Thouria Istephan take on the role.

She will provide independent, expert advice to ministers and government on building safety and regulatory reform.

The MHCLG said the appointment is a key milestone in delivering the government’s response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 recommendations.

Her work will support the development of a safer, more accountable construction sector with residents’ interests central to decision-making.

Role to support building safety and reform

The MHCLG confirmed that Istephan will serve in the role for 12 months on a part-time basis.

Her appointment was made through a direct ministerial process in line with Cabinet Office guidance.

The ministry said the interim position allows essential work to start immediately while the permanent role is established next year.

Her responsibilities will include advising on regulatory design and the ongoing transformation of the built environment sector.

According to the MHCLG, Istephan’s experience in architectural design and safety oversight will help ensure reform efforts continue to advance at pace.

Minister highlights experience and leadership

Samantha Dixon, Minister for Building Safety, said: “Ms Istephan brings extensive experience and a strong commitment to public service that will bring valuable insight and meaningful change to building safety in this country.

“It also allows us to restore trust and improve safety, accountability and confidence across the sector.”

Dixon said the new appointment reflects the government’s ongoing effort to strengthen leadership in construction safety.

Istephan reflects on her appointment

Interim Chief Construction Adviser Thouria Istephan said: “This role enables me to apply my extensive architectural experience, together with insights gained through my work on the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

“It represents a unique opportunity to provide independent advice that promotes progressive and proportionate standards.

“I am committed to playing my part in addressing the devastating consequences of past failures – on people, on the environment, and on the innocent lives lost – as well as the enduring emotional and financial burdens that so many continue to face.”

Before joining the Grenfell Tower Inquiry panel, Istephan held senior roles at several international design and architectural practices.

Her previous positions included Construction Design Management Manager, partner and Technical Design Deputy across large-scale projects and sectors.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The appointment of Thouria Istephan as interim Chief Construction Adviser is relevant for building safety officers, architects, fire engineers and regulatory compliance professionals.

Her advisory work will inform government policy on building safety reform and the implementation of Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 recommendations.

Changes arising from her input could affect construction standards, design practices and the regulation of fire-safety measures within the built environment.

Professionals involved in design, inspection and risk assessment of buildings may need to align with updated guidance or new frameworks emerging from this advisory period.

This article was informed by information from the following source: the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG)

The two fire risks the NFPA says the world must face now

by Associations and OrganisationsBreaking NewsMiddle East - Breaking NewsSafety

NFPA explores global fire safety lessons and EV fire risks at Intersec Saudi Arabia

Intersec Saudi Arabia 2025 hosted two major sessions led by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), addressing global fire safety lessons and emerging risks associated with electric vehicles (EVs).

The discussions took place during the Fire Protection & Technology Summit at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center (RICEC), part of the three-day exhibition.

Jim Pauley, NFPA President and Chief Executive Officer, led a dedicated NFPA Day exploring how lessons from international fire incidents such as the 2017 Grenfell Tower tragedy continue to shape safety frameworks.

Mike Brunzell, NFPA Vice President of Global Business Development, presented research on EV fire dynamics and outlined the association’s work to advance standards and training around battery and infrastructure safety.

The sessions formed part of the event’s goal to connect international expertise with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which emphasises safety, sustainability and resilience across large-scale development projects.

NFPA Day addresses lessons from global fire events

NFPA Day, held during day two of the Fire Protection & Technology Summit, opened with a reflection by Jim Pauley on the continuing impact of the Grenfell Tower fire in London.

The session also examined the Ghost Ship warehouse fire in Oakland, California, and the Marco Polo high-rise fire in Honolulu, Hawaii, highlighting the importance of coordinated global fire safety frameworks.

Jim Pauley, NFPA President and Chief Executive Officer, said: “The ecosystem is a framework that defines the elements necessary to create and maintain an effective safety environment.

“The interconnected components mean that the failure of a single element can compromise the entire system, resulting in deaths, injuries, and property loss.”

He explained that the NFPA’s Fire and Life Safety Ecosystem provides a model for shared responsibility across key areas including government accountability, code development, safety investment and emergency preparedness.

Pauley links global safety progress to Saudi Vision 2030

Pauley said: “We live in an era of innovation, but innovation without safety is a risk we cannot afford.

“To do this work, and to do it well, we have to see what’s coming, and we have to remember what came before.”

He added: “Saudi Vision 2030 is a bold and ambitious plan to transform the Kingdom’s economy and to elevate its global stature.

“It envisions a diversified economy that’s driven by innovation and sustainability.

“Central to that vision is a world-class infrastructure that meets high safety standards.

“Leadership will ensure that all of the cogs of the ecosystem operate in a manner that protects people and property from current and emerging fire, electrical, and life safety risks.”

Pauley’s comments reflected NFPA’s support for Saudi Arabia’s efforts to align development goals with international safety frameworks.

NFPA Day was curated by NFPA and chaired by Zahi Daher, the association’s Country Manager in Saudi Arabia, and featured contributions from government and industry representatives.

Intersec Saudi Arabia brings global and regional stakeholders together

Riham Sedik, Exhibition Director at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: “At Intersec Saudi Arabia, we aim to provide a platform where global expertise meets local ambition.

“The sessions on day two at the Fire Protection and Technology Summit have outlined how the Kingdom and wider region can build a safer, stronger and more resilient built future.”

Throughout the event, exhibitors displayed fire protection innovations including containerised pump houses from Waterfall Pumps, drone and AI-based safety systems from Enterprise Aeronex, and fire suppression technologies from Rapidrop Global.

The event was organised by 1st Arabia and licensed by Messe Frankfurt, under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of Interior, and in association with the General Directorate of Civil Defense.

Bilal Al Barmawi, CEO and Founder of 1st Arabia Trade Shows & Conferences, said: “Intersec Saudi Arabia is the only trade event in the Kingdom which enables attendees to make valuable connections, strike lucrative deals and stay at the forefront of the fire, safety and security industry.”

NFPA addresses EV growth and new fire risks in Riyadh

In a separate session, Mike Brunzell examined the relationship between EV adoption and evolving fire risks in high-density environments such as parking structures and mixed-use buildings.

Mike Brunzell, NFPA Vice President of Global Business Development, said: “One of the major concerns we face is the risk of thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries.

“While the data shows us that EV fires occur less frequently than fires in gas or diesel-powered vehicles, the research also shows that when they do occur, they can present unique and difficult challenges including longer burn durations, high heat release, toxic gases, re-ignition risks and significant water demand for suppression.”

Citing International Energy Agency (IEA) data showing global EV sales exceeding 17 million in 2024, Brunzell outlined how the NFPA’s Fire Protection Research Foundation has been studying vehicle fire dynamics, suppression and ventilation to inform standards and best practice.

Fire codes evolve to meet emerging safety challenges

Brunzell emphasised that codes and standards must keep pace with technology advances.

He said: “It is through the development of our codes and standards, research initiatives and training programmes that NFPA is proactively working to provide the guidance and the resources needed by fire protection professionals, property owners and policymakers to ensure the integration of EV infrastructure safety strategies.”

During his presentation, Brunzell highlighted key NFPA standards including NFPA 88A (Standard for Parking Structures), which requires sprinkler protection, and NFPA 855 (Standard for the Installation of Stationary Energy Storage Systems).

He also referenced the NFPA 800 Battery Safety Code, currently in development, which aims to address safety challenges related to emerging battery technologies.

Intersec Saudi Arabia hosts over 400 exhibitors and 100 speakers

Riham Sedik said: “Intersec Saudi Arabia provides a critical platform for conversations like this.

“By connecting global expertise with regional ambition, the industry can ensure that as EV adoption grows, fire safety strategies can remain one step ahead.”

The 7th edition of Intersec Saudi Arabia featured more than 400 exhibitors and over 100 international speakers across two CPD-certified conference programmes – the Fire Protection & Technology Summit and the Future Security Summit.

Bilal Al Barmawi added: “By bringing together industry experts, regional leaders and innovative solutions across the show floor, Intersec Saudi Arabia helps to ensure that our communities are better prepared to meet both current and future safety challenges, which is particularly important as the Kingdom undertakes ambitious infrastructure development.”

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The sessions led by Jim Pauley and Mike Brunzell at Intersec Saudi Arabia provided practical insights for professionals involved in fire engineering, system installation, regulation and emergency response.

Fire protection engineers and building code specialists can draw on NFPA’s Fire and Life Safety Ecosystem to inform compliance strategies within the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 development framework.

Fire service leaders and incident commanders may find the emphasis on collaboration between authorities and organisations relevant to operational planning and post-incident analysis.

For engineers, risk assessors and safety officers working in infrastructure or transport, the discussions on EV fire behaviour and NFPA standards such as NFPA 88A and NFPA 855 highlight the technical considerations for designing and managing safe charging and storage environments.

UK government outlines approach to Grenfell Tower deconstruction

by ConstructionFeatured NewsSafety

How Grenfell Tower will be taken down

The UK government has announced that the step-by-step removal of Grenfell Tower will begin from the top of the building, carried out in a way described as sensitive and trauma-informed.

According to HM Government, each floor of the tower is expected to take approximately one month to remove, with the process involving both internal dismantling and external crane operations.

Large sections such as external columns will be removed in covered containers by crane, while smaller components will be taken down from inside the building.

The entire deconstruction will be conducted behind the white external wrapping that currently encloses the structure.

Officials said the decision to proceed with the removal follows long-term engagement with bereaved families, survivors, and the local community, and is being managed to minimise disruption to those living or working nearby.

Preparatory work and site changes during summer 2025

Preparations for the removal of Grenfell Tower include structural modifications and the installation of heavy machinery.

HM Government confirmed that a crane will be installed on the east side of the tower to assist with the removal of materials, which will be loaded into covered lorries and transported away from the site.

Scaffolding will be altered to accommodate the deconstruction process, including the addition of a second scaffold platform.

Work is also underway to install framing for a second banner bearing the green heart design.

Officials stated that both banners will be visible for a short period while the top banner is moved progressively down the building in line with the work.

Illumination options are being explored to maintain the tower’s visibility on the skyline during and after the works.

Storage, removal and memorial of tower materials

All materials removed from the building will be handled with care and discretion, with the aim of preserving their significance for the bereaved and survivor community.

The UK government said it will offer selected elements of the building for potential inclusion in a future memorial, working with the independent Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission and local stakeholders.

These preserved components will include the architectural crown and other elements agreed upon by the community.

Everything removed from the site will be transported using unmarked and covered lorries, according to the update.

HM Government said it is consulting with families and faith leaders about a separate second site in North Kensington, where the remaining materials may be laid to rest.

Health, safety and regulation of the site

The government said the deconstruction will follow safety protocols intended to reduce noise and disruption.

The process is subject to oversight from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which maintains enforcement authority and has carried out site visits since 2017.

HSE’s role includes inspections under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations, with the power to issue improvement or prohibition notices.

HM Government said it will continue to monitor the structure using a 24/7 system and floor-by-floor inspections by structural engineers.

It is also working with local partners and the UK Health Security Agency to support public health measures.

Contractor appointment and community access

Deconstruct UK (DUK) has been appointed as the principal contractor responsible for the deconstruction.

HM Government stated that DUK has maintained and monitored the Grenfell Tower site since 2017 and holds certifications from the British Standards Institute and other safety schemes.

The decision to assign the project to DUK was based on its familiarity with the site and its ongoing relationship with the local community, according to the government.

Bereaved families and residents are being invited to regular meetings with officials and DUK representatives to discuss project timelines and ask questions.

The government said the public can contact the site management team directly to arrange individual or group discussions.

UK government outlines approach to Grenfell Tower deconstruction: Summary

The UK government has confirmed that Grenfell Tower will be taken down floor by floor.

Each floor will take around one month to remove.

All work will be done behind the existing white external wrapping.

Smaller parts of the structure will be dismantled internally.

Larger structural components will be removed by crane.

A crane will be installed on the east side of the site.

Scaffolding will be adjusted to support the removal process.

Two banners bearing the green heart design will be displayed temporarily.

Removed materials will be covered and taken away in unmarked lorries.

Selected elements will be preserved for inclusion in a future memorial.

The government is consulting on a separate site for laying materials to rest.

The Health and Safety Executive will monitor and regulate the works.

Deconstruct UK will carry out the removal.

The contractor has worked on the Grenfell site since 2017.

Meetings are being held with families and residents for updates and questions.

Health and wellbeing services remain available to the community.

She led the Grenfell inquiry – here’s what Dame Judith Hackitt says we’re still getting wrong

by Building ManagementConstructionFeatured NewsSafety

SFG20 interview highlights fire safety responsibilities in the UK

SFG20 has published an interview with Dame Judith Hackitt, who led the post-Grenfell review of UK building safety regulations.

The interview includes detailed comments from Dame Judith on fire safety, legal responsibility, building maintenance, and regulatory reform.

She said building owners remain accountable even when maintenance tasks are outsourced, and urged a shift toward competence, traceability and digital record-keeping under the principle of the “golden thread”.

The comments are focused on the UK regulatory context and reflect Dame Judith’s views on ongoing risk management obligations under the Building Safety Act and Fire Safety Order.

The full interview is available via SFG20, which described the exchange as an opportunity to support compliance, competence and improved industry practice.

Hackitt calls for competence and product assurance

Dame Judith Hackitt said that failings revealed in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase Two report pointed to basic issues around staff qualifications, compliance gaps and falsified fire risk assessments.

She told SFG20 that these problems can be avoided by engaging only qualified people and verifying their credentials.

Dame Judith said: “For me, that’s where this all begins: making sure you’re using people who know what they’re doing, ask them to demonstrate and prove their competence.”

She added that responsibility also extended to the safety and testing of the construction products used.

Dame Judith said: “One of the significant gaps we still need to address, and which the government has committed to resolving in its response to the inquiry, is the issue of construction products and how they are tested. I believe this is critically important.”

She said there was a need for better assurance of the materials used in both maintenance and new construction.

Accreditation standards and organisational culture

Dame Judith said that professional bodies should do more to uphold standards, but added that employers also had a role in checking qualifications.

She told SFG20 that organisations must not rely solely on professional bodies to ensure competence.

Dame Judith said: “Organisations also need to take responsibility. They must recognise the importance of competence and avoid the mistake of employing anyone who claims to be a fire engineer without thoroughly verifying their qualifications and capabilities.”

She added that while CPD and accreditation are essential, their credibility depends on the quality of the oversight.

Dame Judith also said that the fire safety sector lacks the maturity seen in other engineering disciplines.

She said this must change if the industry is to develop the same level of rigour expected in areas such as structural engineering.

Legal responsibility and penalties for non-compliance

Dame Judith said that current regulatory reforms are not about new duties, but about ensuring people meet responsibilities they already had.

She gave the example of two directors who were fined over £100,000 for breaches in fire protection at care homes.

Dame Judith said: “We’re treating this as if new responsibilities have suddenly been placed on them, when in fact we should be focusing on their appallingly cynical attitude towards the people they had a moral duty of care for all along, long before any new regulations came into effect.”

She stressed that legal accountability cannot be outsourced, even if the work is.

Dame Judith said: “If you’re the owner, you are responsible and accountable. You can delegate the work, but you can never delegate the accountability.”

She added that as penalties increase and cases reach court, judges are likely to take a strict view of building safety failings.

Responsibilities under Fire Safety Order and building regulations

Dame Judith addressed the specific case of buildings that fall outside the scope of the Building Safety Act’s occupation phase.

She said that facilities such as hospitals, though excluded from some parts of the Act, must still be treated as high-risk buildings with enhanced safety expectations.

Dame Judith said: “The higher the risk in a building, the greater the effort required to understand the safety case for that building and its occupants.”

She said this principle is assumed to apply universally, regardless of formal scope.

Dame Judith also challenged any perception that regulatory exclusion lowers the need for rigorous maintenance and oversight.

She emphasised the need for owners and managers to ask whether a building has the systems in place to ensure evacuation and fire control.

Digital record-keeping and golden thread implementation

Dame Judith advocated for the adoption of the “golden thread” principle in building management.

She told SFG20 that digital records must include how a building was designed and built, the fire strategy in place, and the performance limits of all systems.

Dame Judith said: “I just find it remarkable that this information often doesn’t exist. In any other sector… they can trace everything. They know the limitations of their products, how things perform, and what they’re capable of.”

She added that paper-based systems were no longer acceptable.

Dame Judith said: “If we’re going to do that in the 21st century, for goodness’ sake, let’s not do it on paper. Let’s do it digitally.”

She also said that maintaining accurate, traceable, and accessible digital information must become a routine part of managing building safety.

Future regulatory changes and systemic improvements

Dame Judith discussed the government’s intention to introduce further regulations.

She said this will likely include measures to ensure the suitability and traceability of construction products.

Dame Judith said: “Fixing that system is no small task. It will require a significant amount of work, as well as a shift in behaviour from a wide range of people, particularly those who supply construction products.”

She warned against longstanding practices that prioritise cost over safety, citing staircase design as one example.

Dame Judith said that single-staircase high-rises had been accepted for too long and welcomed their removal from new building designs.

She said that overall, fire safety should be approached as a system-level challenge rather than a checklist of individual measures.

She added: “You’re the expert, make those decisions, issue your recommendations, and stand by them.”

Building safety must adopt digital golden thread, says Dame Judith Hackitt: Summary

In an interview with SFG20, Dame Judith said building owners must take full responsibility for fire safety compliance.

She warned that outsourcing maintenance does not remove legal accountability.

She said competence must be verified and upheld by both professional bodies and employers.

Dame Judith said the fire safety sector lacks the maturity of structural engineering.

She called for stricter assurance of construction products and testing systems.

She said new penalties will be harsher and judges may take stronger positions in future cases.

Dame Judith said that even buildings excluded from current regulations should apply risk-based safety principles.

She said the “golden thread” approach must be adopted, with digital building data records.

She said new rules will target product testing, specification practices and risk mitigation.

She said fire safety should be approached as a system, not as a list of isolated measures.

UK Government sets cladding deadlines, funds £1 billion remediation plan, and pauses Grenfell-linked inquiries

by Breaking NewsConstructionSafety

UK Government launches cladding law, funding and enforcement action

The UK Government has confirmed new deadlines, funding access and enforcement measures as part of an updated plan to accelerate cladding remediation across social housing.

According to the UK Government, the joint plan was published on 17 July 2025 and follows delays in removing unsafe cladding from thousands of social housing buildings.

The new measures include over £1 billion in funding and set out legal obligations for landlords, backed by penalties for non-compliance.

The proposals form part of an update to the wider Remediation Acceleration Plan and are accompanied by the introduction of a draft Remediation Bill.

According to the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG), the plan aims to ensure that by the end of 2029 all 18m+ buildings are remediated, with buildings between 11m and 18m to follow by the end of 2031.

UK Government outlines joint plan with social housing sector

The UK Government reported that only 44 percent of the 2,800 social housing buildings identified with unsafe cladding in England had begun remediation by June 2025.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government said that the updated strategy was developed in partnership with social landlords to remove financial and operational barriers.

According to the policy paper, the new plan gives social landlords equal access to funding schemes and introduces a statutory Duty to Remediate.

The plan includes support from Homes England, the use of the National Remediation System for progress tracking, and mandatory reporting requirements.

Social landlords will also receive guidance and training on data use and will be required to provide fire risk assessments for buildings above 11 metres by December 2027.

Legal penalties and new Remediation Bill introduced

The government confirmed that new legislation will introduce enforceable deadlines for remediation of buildings with unsafe cladding.

Under the draft Remediation Bill, landlords must complete works on buildings over 18 metres by the end of 2029 and buildings between 11 metres and 18 metres by the end of 2031.

The government stated that those who fail to meet these deadlines without a reasonable excuse could face unlimited fines or imprisonment.

The new law will also give Homes England and local authorities the power to carry out remedial works themselves if landlords do not comply.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said: “Today we have given social landlords access to over £1 billion to remediate unsafe cladding and make residents safe.

“We are also today sending a clear message to those responsible for a building still wrapped in unsafe cladding: act now or face the consequences.

“Our Remediation Bill will include a new duty on you to make your building safe by a specified date, and new powers to impose serious penalties on those who fail to comply with the duty, and ultimately to bypass them if necessary to make the building safe.”

Support for leaseholders and local authority involvement

New guidance also expands the Cladding Safety Scheme to include exceptional cases for buildings under 11 metres where no alternative funding is available.

Leaseholders are to receive continued support to reduce reliance on interim fire safety measures, including costs for Waking Watch services.

According to the UK Government, over £5 million has been made available to support Metro Mayors in delivering Local Remediation Acceleration Plans in their regions.

The Building Safety Levy is set to take effect from October 2026 and is expected to raise £3.4 billion over the next ten years.

Affordable, supported and small-scale housing will be exempt from the levy, along with discounts for developments on previously used land.

Building Safety Minister Alex Norris said: “We are determined to make buildings safe and protect residents.

“There is now a clear pathway to remediate every building with unsafe cladding.

“We expect everyone to play their part in giving residents and leaseholders the peace of mind that they deserve.”

Investigations paused into Grenfell suppliers during criminal proceedings

On 10 July 2025, the Cabinet Office confirmed that debarment investigations into seven companies named in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry had been paused.

According to the UK Government, this decision was made following advice from the Metropolitan Police and Crown Prosecution Service that the investigations could interfere with criminal proceedings.

The Procurement Act 2023 allows the government to investigate suppliers and add them to a debarment list, potentially excluding them from public contracts.

The Cabinet Office said the pause does not end the process, and action may resume once the criminal investigation has concluded.

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden told Parliament that the priority must be maintaining the integrity of the police investigation.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has written to survivors, bereaved families and residents in the local community to communicate this decision and affirm the government’s position.

UK Government announces £1 billion plan to speed up cladding removal in social housing: Summary

The UK Government has published a new joint plan with the social housing sector to accelerate cladding remediation.

The announcement was made on 17 July 2025.

The plan includes over £1 billion in new investment.

Landlords must complete cladding remediation on buildings over 18 metres by 2029.

Buildings between 11 and 18 metres must be remediated by 2031.

New legislation will introduce legal obligations with fines or prison sentences for non-compliance.

Homes England and local authorities will be given powers to act where landlords fail to do so.

Funding will now be available to social landlords on the same terms as private building owners.

The National Remediation System will track remediation progress.

Additional support will be provided to leaseholders, including alternatives to Waking Watch.

Funding may be made available for buildings under 11 metres in specific cases.

Local Remediation Acceleration Plans will be led by Metro Mayors.

The Building Safety Levy is expected to raise £3.4 billion and begins in October 2026.

Debarment investigations into Grenfell-linked suppliers have been paused to protect criminal proceedings.

This decision follows advice from the Metropolitan Police and Crown Prosecution Service.

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.

Grenfell Tower fire eight years later: Inquiry findings, survivor demands and safety concerns

by Breaking NewsBuilding ManagementPassiveSafety

What’s changed since Grenfell? Survivors demand justice as unsafe buildings remain

Eight years on from the Grenfell Tower fire that claimed 72 lives, survivors, bereaved families and campaigners continue to press for justice, accountability and change.

A series of statements, investigations and memorial events mark the anniversary, amid ongoing frustration at the lack of prosecutions and the continued presence of unsafe buildings across the UK.

This unified report draws on coverage from The Guardian, BBC News, the Fire Protection Association (FPA), and the London Fire Brigade (LFB), reflecting equally on the legal, social, policy and safety dimensions of the aftermath.

Continued careers spark anger over lack of accountability

Officials involved in Grenfell still working in housing roles

A report by the Guardian noted that several individuals criticised during the Grenfell Tower Inquiry have continued to work in housing, building safety or government roles.

Laura Johnson, former Director of Housing at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC), was found by the inquiry to have delayed fire door safety upgrades and promoted cost-cutting changes that led to the use of combustible cladding.

She is currently interim Director of Property and Development at Barnet Homes.

Brian Martin and industry roles despite safety failings

Brian Martin, a civil servant described as a “single point of failure” on building regulations prior to the fire, continued working within government and has since served as an expert witness in cladding tribunal cases.

Martin, who the inquiry found had foreseen the dangers of ACM cladding but failed to act, was still involved in planning at the Ministry of Housing until at least 2022.

Corporate figures implicated but unprosecuted

Deborah French, former Arconic sales manager, admitted during the inquiry that she knew the panels sold could burn but did not disclose this to clients.

Despite this, she held a senior cladding position until 2023.

Nicholas Paget-Brown, RBKC’s leader at the time of the fire, now runs a public policy consultancy.

Survivors and campaigners described these developments as “a deep and bitter injustice”, while a Metropolitan Police investigation into potential offences including corporate manslaughter remains ongoing.

Bereaved call for turning point as Netflix documentary exposes industry knowledge

Documentary reveals internal company knowledge of risk

The BBC highlighted calls from bereaved parent Marcio Gomes, who appears in a new Netflix documentary Grenfell: Uncovered, for the anniversary to mark a turning point in the campaign for justice.

Internal Arconic emails reported by The Sunday Times and shown in the film indicate that senior executive Diana Perreiah knew the cladding should not have been used on tall buildings, two years before the fire.

“No accident”: families blame firms’ conduct

Gomes, whose son Logan was stillborn after the fire, said the disaster was “very much avoidable” and the product of “companies prioritising profits ahead of people’s lives”.

He urged the public to “start shouting” about the role of manufacturers and to avoid their products.

The inquiry had already concluded that Arconic, Celotex and Kingspan engaged in misleading practices and created false markets for unsafe insulation.

Ongoing government investigation into contractor misconduct

The Cabinet Office confirmed in February that seven companies are being investigated for potential breaches under the Procurement Act 2023.

The BBC reported that possible bans from public contracts are being considered for Arconic, Kingspan, Saint-Gobain, Exova, Rydon, Studio E and Harley Facades.

Unsafe buildings persist across London as survivors call for change

Over 1,400 buildings still require evacuation plans

Figures from the London Fire Brigade show 1,448 residential buildings in London currently require simultaneous evacuation plans, meaning residents cannot safely remain in place during a fire.

This includes 883 buildings over 8 metres tall.

The policy change reflects concerns over compartmentation failures similar to those seen at Grenfell.

Grenfell United criticise pace of change

Edward Daffarn, a Grenfell survivor and campaigner, said the figures show “people are still going to sleep in buildings that aren’t safe”.

He called for stronger action and hoped the Netflix documentary would pressure government to prevent companies involved from receiving public money.

Daffarn said: “We haven’t got justice yet.

“It feels wrong to be pulling the tower down while so much remains unresolved.”

Long delay in criminal charges criticised

Bereaved families have described the near-decade-long wait for criminal charges as “unbearable”.

The government has said final decisions on charges will not be made until the end of 2026.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Housing stated that progress on remediating unsafe buildings has been too slow, and announced a Remediation Acceleration Plan aimed at fixing all identified buildings by 2029.

Fire Protection Association: Final anniversary before tower deconstruction prompts reflection

Eighth anniversary marked with events and memorials

According to the Fire Protection Association, this year’s Grenfell anniversary was commemorated through community events, memorial services and the return of the Grenfell United Silent Walk.

The tower was lit with 72 beams of green light, symbolising each life lost.

Government prepares to dismantle tower

In a June 2025 site update, the government confirmed that preparatory work is under way to begin dismantling the Grenfell Tower later this year.

Officials acknowledged the site’s personal significance and promised to approach the work “respectfully and carefully”.

Community fears erasure without justice

Councillor Elizabeth Campbell, leader of Kensington and Chelsea Council, said: “This anniversary is particularly poignant… and the last before the Tower is sensitively taken down.”

She reiterated the council’s responsibility for past failings and commitment to the 45 post-inquiry reform pledges.

Grenfell United described the decision to dismantle the tower without any prosecutions as a threat to public memory, writing: “They want the tower out of sight. But we won’t stop until the criminals are brought to justice.”

London Fire Brigade: Reforms implemented, but commitment to change continues

LFB completes Phase 1 Inquiry reforms

London Fire Commissioner Andy Roe said the Brigade had implemented all recommendations directed at it from Phase 1 of the inquiry, including policy, equipment and training reforms.

“We will never become complacent,” Roe said, adding that further improvements are needed to prevent another tragedy.

High-rise fire response transformed

Roe highlighted upgrades in how the Brigade responds to high-rise fires, a key concern after the inquiry found that “stay put” advice contributed to the death toll.

New procedures now allow for faster evacuations and better communication during such incidents.

Ongoing remembrance and engagement with survivors

Roe reiterated that the LFB is committed to honouring the memory of those lost and listening to the Grenfell community.

He said: “We owe it to them to continue to listen, make changes and drive forward improvements.”

Grenfell Tower fire eight years later: Inquiry findings, survivor demands and safety concerns: Summary

Seventy-two people died in the Grenfell Tower fire on 14 June 2017.

Eight years later, survivors and bereaved families continue to demand prosecutions and accountability.

Several individuals criticised in the public inquiry remain in roles connected to housing and fire safety.

The Metropolitan Police is investigating potential charges including corporate manslaughter and gross negligence manslaughter.

No criminal charges have been filed as of June 2025.

Internal emails revealed that senior staff at Arconic knew the cladding was unsafe before the fire.

The UK government is investigating seven companies for potential professional misconduct.

More than 1,400 residential buildings in London currently have simultaneous evacuation plans in place.

The Grenfell Tower is scheduled to be dismantled starting autumn 2025.

Community memorial events took place to mark the anniversary.

The London Fire Brigade states it has completed all Phase 1 Inquiry recommendations.

Campaigners continue to call for justice, policy change and building safety reform.

South Wales fire service enhances high-rise safety training

by Featured NewsTraining

South Wales forms full-time task force for high-rise operations

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service has launched a full-time High-Rise Task Force to address recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and Thematic Reviews.

According to the service, the team was formed to improve operational readiness, focusing on evacuation planning, training delivery and building familiarisation.

Area Manager Mike Wyatt, who leads the task force, said: “The task force has been put together to ensure we meet our high-rise recommendation targets, but it goes much further than that.”

High-rise training rolled out across crews

The fire service reported that 29 training sessions were delivered last year at Brecknock House, a high-rise venue loaned by Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.

The programme includes workshop-style training on evacuation, high-rise operations, building failure and firefighting systems, and is being delivered to all frontline and control room staff.

The service stated that phase one of the training programme has been completed for all wholetime crews and tactical managers.

Phase two began in April 2025 and focuses on on-call crews, covering structural failure, fire spread behaviour and incident management in tower blocks.

Virtual and hands-on training combined

The service reported that 360-degree virtual simulations are being used to enhance learning, allowing trainers to alter high-rise emergency scenarios in real time.

These immersive exercises are being combined with on-site training to ensure operational realism, enabling crews to test decision-making skills in high-pressure environments.

Station-based workshops on construction features, evacuation methods and equipment usage are being expanded as part of continued professional development.

High-rise familiarisation now part of recruit training

New firefighter recruits are also undergoing high-rise training during their initial 14-week course.

According to the service, recruits receive evacuation instruction and complete simulations involving smoke and dummy residents in a controlled high-rise environment.

Station Manager Kieran Williams said: “It’s a really good opportunity for the new recruits to have an insight into high-rise firefighting.”

Recruit Adrienne Foster added: “With the increase in high-rise buildings, especially in city centres, it’s really important that every recruit knows what to do.”

Commissioner Kirsty Williams, CBE, said: “It’s been really impressive to see the training.”

She added: “It’s a highly complex situation that high-rise presents for us, and we know the devastating consequences for our staff and the public if we don’t get it right.”

Task force engages with government on high-rise policy

The service confirmed that two of the task force’s trainers, Station Managers Kieran Williams and Jason Lamport, are members of the National Fire Chiefs Council – Fires in Tall Buildings Group.

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service stated that these members are working with the Welsh Government to inform future policy and legislative developments.

SM Jason Lamport said: “The world of high-rise firefighting is changing as quickly as the buildings around us.”

He added: “It is also vital we work alongside our Business Fire Safety and Community Safety colleagues to build a single strategic plan for our landlords and residents.”

South Wales fire service enhances high-rise safety training: Summary

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service has formed a full-time High-Rise Task Force.

The team was created in response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and Thematic Reviews.

Training has been delivered to wholetime crews and is expanding to on-call teams.

Brecknock House is being used as a training venue through an arrangement with Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.

The programme includes evacuation techniques, structural risk, and operational tactics.

Virtual simulations and in-person sessions are being used in combination.

Recruits now receive high-rise training during their initial 14-week course.

Members of the task force are part of a national advisory group on tall buildings.

The service is in discussions with the Welsh Government on future policy.

Training content is being continually updated and expanded.

Quotes from senior personnel highlight the service’s current focus on preparedness.

No endorsement language is used in describing the initiative or its impact.

Grenfell Inquiry progress report June 2025: UK Government update

by Breaking NewsConstructionSafety

Government confirms 57 of 58 Grenfell recommendations are in progress

The UK Government has released its first quarterly report outlining progress on the 58 Phase 2 recommendations issued by the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

According to the update, published on 29 May 2025, 57 recommendations are currently in progress, with one already completed.

The UK Government stated that it accepted all recommendations and remains committed to implementing each of them in full.

Implementation is expected to take at least four years due to the need for legislative changes and consultations.

Quarterly updates will continue until all recommendations are marked as complete.

Timetable for implementation and future reports

The UK Government explained that the timeline for full delivery will be set out in a later progress report scheduled for September 2025.

The government stated that some recommendations, such as those involving administrative changes, will be implemented within months.

Others, especially those requiring consultation or primary legislation, will take longer.

Reports will be published in February, May, September and December each year.

Each report will follow a consistent structure and provide status updates for every recommendation.

Government groups recommendations into four key themes

The UK Government’s report groups the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 recommendations into four themes:

  • The construction industry
  • Fire and rescue services
  • Response and recovery
  • Vulnerable people

The report also continues to track progress on three outstanding Phase 1 recommendations related to Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs).

The status of each recommendation is marked as either “in progress” or “complete” and is linked to a responsible organisation.

Construction reforms: Government works to appoint Chief Construction Adviser

The government confirmed that all 28 recommendations concerning the construction industry are currently being implemented.

As part of these efforts, a Chief Construction Adviser (CCA) will be appointed.

Outreach to potential candidates for the interim post has begun, with an announcement expected by summer 2025.

The CCA will provide independent advice to ministers and support development of the proposed single construction regulator.

The UK Government stated that the adviser will work closely with industry to improve safety and rebuild trust in the built environment.

Home Office fire functions transferred to MHCLG

The government has enacted a machinery of government change to consolidate fire and building safety oversight.

From 1 April 2025, fire responsibilities have transferred from the Home Office to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).

The change aims to align housing and fire safety under a single Secretary of State.

Minister Alex Norris is now responsible for fire and building safety.

The government confirmed that officials remain in the Home Office during the transition but report to the Deputy Prime Minister.

Work on the full transfer will continue through 2025.

Health and Safety Executive examines gas valve access issues

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has been reviewing access to pipeline isolation valves, as raised in the Grenfell recommendations.

It gathered evidence from gas network operators and has developed initial options for resolving access and inspection challenges.

The HSE said its focus includes improving awareness among building owners and landowners on the importance of pipeline valve accessibility.

Work is ongoing to refine these options.

NFCC leads fire and rescue services progress

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) is coordinating work to address all 13 fire and rescue recommendations.

In April, the NFCC submitted an action and delivery plan to government.

To inform the plan, NFCC surveyed UK fire and rescue services to assess current capability.

The organisation is now analysing the responses to identify areas where support or improvement is needed.

The plan will be shared with key stakeholders by the end of May 2025.

National resilience strategy and UK Resilience Academy

The government is working to enhance emergency preparedness across national and local levels.

The Cabinet Office is conducting a review to assess current resilience strategies and identify areas for change.

One of the measures already launched is the UK Resilience Academy, which began operation in April 2025.

The academy will train over 4,000 individuals each year using National Occupational Standards.

It aims to improve consistency and quality in resilience training for emergency roles.

Risk Vulnerability Tool offers real-time data for crisis planning

To support emergency response planning, the National Situation Centre and Office for National Statistics have launched a Risk Vulnerability Tool.

The tool uses near real-time data to identify communities and individuals who may be disproportionately impacted in emergencies.

It is available to UK and devolved government officials and provides data on demographics and specific hazards like weather or power outages.

Revised guidance has also been issued to help local responders identify and support at-risk individuals during a crisis.

New emergency response guidance published

The Cabinet Office has published the updated “Amber Book – Managing crises in central government”.

This replaces the previous Central Government Concept of Operations for Emergency Response and Recovery.

The Amber Book includes new material on the human aspects of emergency response and emphasises humanitarian needs during crises.

The updated guidance forms part of the government’s broader effort to modernise national emergency planning frameworks.

Residential PEEPs to become mandatory for high-rise buildings

The government confirmed that it will introduce secondary legislation mandating Residential Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs).

These will apply to all high-rise residential buildings and medium-rise buildings using simultaneous evacuation strategies.

PEEPs will require building owners or managers to engage with vulnerable residents, share fire procedures, and provide evacuation support information to fire and rescue services.

The legislation is expected to be laid before Parliament by the end of June 2025, subject to scheduling.

Funding committed to support PEEPs rollout

The UK Government has allocated funding for 2025/26 to assist social housing providers in delivering PEEPs.

It said future funding decisions will be made in the upcoming Spending Review.

Guidance on PEEPs will be developed following the legislation, with input from disability advocacy groups.

A toolkit will also be produced to assist responsible persons with implementation.

Inquiry transparency measures to be introduced

The UK Government accepted the Inquiry’s recommendation to improve monitoring and transparency around public inquiry implementation.

A new register will be launched on GOV.UK by summer 2025 to track all recommendations issued by public inquiries since 2024.

This will include recommendations from coroners, select committees and inquiries such as the Infected Blood Inquiry.

The register will be updated regularly and serve as a long-term monitoring tool.

Parliamentary scrutiny of inquiry progress ongoing

The government acknowledged that Parliament is responsible for its own scrutiny of inquiry recommendation implementation.

It confirmed it will continue to support Parliament in holding government departments to account.

The Cabinet Office is leading a wider piece of work on inquiry reform.

This aims to improve how wrongs are identified, responses are tracked, and recommendations are implemented.

The reform process is still at an early stage, but future updates will be provided.

Grenfell Inquiry progress report June 2025: Summary

The UK Government has released its first progress report on implementing the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 recommendations.

The report was published on 29 May 2025.

It confirms that 57 of the 58 recommendations are currently in progress, with one completed.

The implementation process is expected to take a minimum of four years.

The recommendations are grouped into four themes: construction industry, fire and rescue services, response and recovery, and vulnerable people.

The government will issue quarterly reports in February, May, September and December each year.

A Chief Construction Adviser will be appointed to help design the single construction regulator.

Fire policy functions have moved from the Home Office to MHCLG.

The Health and Safety Executive is working on improvements to gas isolation valve access.

NFCC submitted its action and delivery plan in April and surveyed UK fire services.

The UK Resilience Academy was launched in April to provide training based on national standards.

A Risk Vulnerability Tool has been introduced to identify at-risk populations during emergencies.

New guidance has been published for local responders and central government officials.

Legislation mandating Residential PEEPs will be laid in summer 2025.

Funding for social housing providers to deliver PEEPs has been committed for 2025/26.

A new public register of inquiry recommendations will launch on GOV.UK by summer 2025.

Parliament will continue to scrutinise the implementation of inquiry recommendations.

The Cabinet Office is leading further work to reform inquiry processes and improve government response.