A Single Construction Regulator, as currently envisaged, is to be based on the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), soon to be an office independent of the Health & Safety Executive that has hosted it since its inception in 2022.
The BSR will transition into a new super-regulator with oversight of the building products regime (but crucially will not undertake testing or certification) and regulation of the building professions as well as its existing building control mandate for high-rise buildings.
The Single Construction Regulator Prospectus has been published by the minister for building safety Samantha Dixon as a consultation document fleshing its ideas, with responses from interested parties invited by 20th March 2026.
The proposals are a response to the the first recommendation from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report, which was published in September 2024. The Inquiry recommended that government create a ‘single construction regulator’ to reduce fragmentation and complexity in the way the built environment is regulated.
Samantha Dixon said: “The plans set out today show how we are learning from the Grenfell tragedy and what we are doing to improve the effectiveness, consistency and efficiency of the construction sector and what we’re doing to make sure people’s homes are safe and good quality.
“The case for reform is strong – one regulator across the entire construction system will be better able to review evidence, identify risks, issues and opportunities, as well as support action with enforcement where it is necessary.”
“Alongside the prospectus published today, we have launched a consultation which seeks views on the plans from across the construction sector. This will inform final plans and a full response to the consultation will set out more detail on regulatory reform – set to be published in summer 2026.
Interim chief construction advisor Thouria Istephan said: “This prospectus is the starting point for reform which delivers on the Grenfell Inquiry’s call for systemic change. The creation of a Single Construction Regulator will replace a fragmented system with one that prioritises safety, accountability, and clarity – integrating oversight of buildings, products, and professions.
“It’s about protecting lives, rebuilding trust, and fostering a culture where responsibility, accountability and quality come first”.
Executive chair of the Building Safety Regulator Andy Roe added: “The journey toward a Single Regulator is a decisive and important step in strengthening building safety. Over the past few months, we have worked hard to speed up the application processes within the BSR for new high-rise residential buildings and are already seeing positive changes.
“The BSR’s role will evolve as we move to a new body, and in longer time toward the Single Regulator, through a carefully managed transition. Throughout this process, we will continue our commitment to collaboration, and delivering a regulatory system that keeps residents safe, and supports essential construction.”
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