Response to Grenfell Tower Inquiry: Tougher building safety rules are coming – what you need to do now

Today, the government has officially responded to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, accepting all 58 recommendations and announcing sweeping changes to building safety regulations. If you’re a developer, building owner, contractor, principal designer, or architect, this response will ultimately have a direct impact on your projects and responsibilities.

So, what’s changing, and what do you need to do to stay compliant? Let’s break it down.

What’s in the Government’s Response?

The key takeaway from the government’s statement is greater accountability, stricter compliance, and tougher enforcement. Here are the most important changes:

• A single Construction Regulator – A new central authority will oversee building safety, product testing, and professional competence. This means stricter rules and a unified approach to enforcement.
• Stronger oversight of construction products – Manufacturers and suppliers will face tougher rules on product safety. Faulty materials will be banned, and those who misrepresent fire safety data could face criminal penalties.
• Legal Duty of Candour – Companies and public bodies will be legally required to be transparent about safety issues. Any cover-ups could result in serious legal consequences.
• Tenant rights and accountability – Social housing tenants will have stronger legal rights to challenge landlords and demand safe housing. Landlords who fail to act will face tougher penalties.
• Faster cladding and fire safety remediation – Freeholders will be forced to fix unsafe buildings quicker. If they fail to act, the government will step in with legal measures.
• Mandatory competency standards for fire safety professionals – Fire risk assessors will need formal certification, stopping unqualified individuals from making critical decisions.

The government will be phasing in these changes over the next few years, with new rules starting as early as mid-2025.

How these changes affect you

For professionals in construction, development, and building management, this is not just another compliance update. These are fundamental changes that will reshape the industry further. Here’s what you need to be aware of:

For Building Owners & Managers

If you own or manage buildings, expect stricter oversight and greater liability. New tenant rights mean residents can challenge you if safety concerns aren’t addressed. The government is making it clear: you are responsible for maintaining a safe, compliant building.

How we can help: Our Building Safety consultancy services can provide expert guidance on fire risk assessments, compliance audits, and ongoing safety management. We can help cut to the heart of what you need to consider when assessing compliance of your building or project.  We also help with BRPD support to ensure documentation and planning meets legal requirements.

For Developers & Contractors

The new Construction Regulator will bring stricter enforcement on safety standards and materials. If you cut corners, use non-compliant products, or fail to meet competency standards, expect tougher penalties and enforcement actions.

How we can help: We have decades of experience in assisting developers to navigate compliance challenges, ensuring that materials, designs, and construction methods meet the highest safety standards. Our expertise in Building Safety Act requirements means you stay ahead of the game.

For Principal Designers & Architects

Designers will face greater accountability for fire safety compliance. The new dutyholder responsibilities mean you must ensure safety is considered at every stage of the design process.

How we can help: We provide specialist BRPD support services, helping you prepare and produce the necessary documentation to demonstrate compliance and avoid legal risks. Our consultancy ensures design decisions align with new regulatory expectations.

What you should do now

The best way to prepare for these changes is to take proactive steps now. Here’s how:

1. Review your safety compliance now – Conduct a gap analysis to check if your current projects meet new and upcoming standards.
2. Update fire risk assessments & safety plans – Ensure all safety measures, evacuation strategies, and material choices meet stricter regulations.
3. Train, educate and certify your team – If you’re involved in fire risk assessment or building safety decisions, ensure your team meets the new competency requirements.
4. Prepare for increased oversight – Expect more inspections, audits, and legal scrutiny. Make sure your documentation, procedures, and safety records are watertight.

The government’s Grenfell response is a clear signal that the industry must change. These reforms are not just about compliance – they’re about creating safer buildings and ensuring that tragedies like Grenfell never happen again.

If you need help navigating these changes, enevo’s Building Safety Consultancy and BRPD support services are here to help.

Get in touch today to ensure your projects are fully compliant, your risks are minimised, and your responsibilities are met.