Another building safety regulation change? Will this one actually make a difference?
For those responsible for buildings—whether as owners, advisors, or managers—compliance rules have changed before, often with little real impact. But this time, the government isn’t just introducing new rules. They’re making enforcement tougher, increasing financial penalties, and putting reputations on the line.
In a parliamentary speech on 26 February 2025, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner confirmed that the government will be cracking down on unsafe buildings and companies linked to poor safety practices. This includes the introduction of tougher enforcement through the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), bans on firms responsible for unsafe building materials, and financial and legal penalties for non-compliance¹.
How much impact this actually has will depend on how strictly it’s enforced—but if you’re responsible for a building, it’s best to get ahead of it.
What’s Changing?
The Building Safety Regulator Now Has Full Control
The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) is now the sole authority for all high-risk buildings in England. This means tighter oversight, fewer loopholes, and greater regulatory consistency.
What this means for you:
Expect more direct intervention—audits, document requests, and compliance enforcement.
The BSR now has final say on safety approvals—no more reliance on local building control.
If your compliance records aren’t in order, it’s only a matter of time before it catches up with you.
Companies Could Be Banned from Government Contracts
Angela Rayner also announced that the government is investigating seven major construction product manufacturers linked to the Grenfell Tower disaster, including Arconic, Kingspan, and Celotex. If found in breach of safety obligations, these firms could be barred from public sector contracts under the Procurement Act 2023².
What this means for you:
More scrutiny on supply chains—it’s time to review material specifications and past projects for risk exposure.
Tighter due diligence on developments—especially for those working on government-funded projects.
More frequent compliance checks—clients will increasingly demand clear records of what’s been used in their buildings.
New Legal & Financial Consequences for Non-Compliance
The Building Safety Act 2022 introduced stricter compliance requirements, but now, the BSR has the legal power to prosecute individuals and organisations.
Consequences include:
Unlimited fines for non-compliance³.
Criminal prosecution of building owners, operators, and managers for safety breaches.
Insurability & financing risks—poor compliance records could impact premiums, claims, and asset value.
What this means for you:
Insurers now expect better documentation—without it, you risk higher costs or limited cover.
Lenders and investors are paying closer attention to compliance risk—poor records could make buildings harder to finance or sell.
Those advising clients on safety and compliance will need structured solutions, not just guidance.
Why This Matters for Consultants, Surveyors & Project Managers
This isn’t just a concern for building owners. More and more, clients will expect consultants, surveyors, and project managers to have structured compliance processes in place.
That means:
Flagging compliance gaps before regulators step in.
Ensuring safety documentation is structured and accessible.
Helping clients stay ahead of penalties, delays, and reputational risks.
This is becoming an expectation, not an option. That’s why many are now referring clients to Building Passport.
How Building Passport Helps
With compliance pressures increasing, those responsible for buildings need a structured, secure way to manage safety records—without adding complexity.
Building Passport enables:
A shared, centralised repository—so owners, consultants, and project teams can access and update compliance information in one place.
Audit-ready building records—ensuring insurers, lenders, and buyers have instant access to required documentation.
A single source of truth for safety information—reducing time wasted chasing lost or outdated records.
Keeping on top of compliance is getting harder. Building Passport makes it easier. Take a look at how it works.
References
Hansard, Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Report – Speech by Angela Rayner, 26 February 2025.
The Guardian, Grenfell Tower: Seven Organisations Face Debarment from Government Contracts, 26 February 2025.
UK Government, Building Safety Act 2022: Enforcement and Penalties Overview.
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