Irwin Mitchell Construction Lawyer Says Move is a 'Step Forward'

Irwin Mitchell has today welcomed the government’s announcement on the future of the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), which includes the creation of a new arm’s length body under the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). The reforms aim to accelerate the delivery of 1.5 million safe, high-quality homes and ease delays to high-rise developments.

The new structure will see the BSR’s functions transition from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to the MHCLG, with a focus on streamlining processes through a Fast Track Process, leadership changes, and increased investment. These changes also represent a significant step toward the establishment of a single construction regulator, as recommended by the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

Expert Opinion

“Today’s announcement is a welcome step forward. The transition of the BSR to a dedicated body within MHCLG, along with the introduction of a Fast Track Process, has the potential to significantly reduce delays that have been holding back vital housing projects. At Irwin Mitchell, we’ve seen first-hand the challenges our clients face under the current system. These reforms could provide the clarity and momentum the sector needs to deliver safe, compliant buildings at pace.” Robert Tunningley, Construction Partner at Irwin Mitchell

Recent findings from a Freedom of Information (FOI) request submitted by Irwin Mitchell highlight the urgency of reform. The BSR, which was established under the Building Safety Act 2022 to approve construction and refurbishment plans for high-rise residential buildings, has been taking an average of 25 weeks to reach decisions—far exceeding its statutory deadlines of 8 weeks for refurbishments and 12 weeks for new builds.