Regulation of construction products “failed its most basic purpose” before the tragedy, according to building safety minister Samantha Dixon: “To keep people safe in their homes”.
Following an inquiry and two independent reviews, the government recently set out a major part of its plans to prevent similar tragedies from happening again. Published on 25 February, the Construction Products Reform white paper proposes changes to strengthen safety and regulation of building products, ensuring they are properly assessed before use.
“Government and the sector have recognised that the system must evolve dramatically. We must move from a framework originally designed to reduce technical trade barriers to one that places safety, accountability, public confidence, and growth and innovation at its core,” Dixon wrote in the ministerial foreword.
Issues highlighted by the Grenfell Tower Inquiry included a system “that demonstrably failed to safeguard public safety”, according to the white paper, in which “unethical manufacturers were able to exploit systemic weaknesses with appalling consequences”. This included manipulated test results, continued sale of dangerous materials and disingenuous claims.
While combustible materials were banned for high-rise residential buildings in 2018, and the ban was extended to high-rise hotels and hostels in 2022, only construction products covered by designated standards or technical assessments are currently regulated – about 37% of the UK market. “This means that even where there are known issues, the national regulator for construction products is unable to act,” the white paper said. Other issues detailed in the report include fragmented regulations, weak oversight and inadequate available information.
Where products are already regulated by designated standards, the government said it plans to continue with standards inherited from the EU, reformed to enhance safety. All other products will be covered by a ‘risk-based general safety requirement’, requiring manufacturers to assess and eliminate safety risks.
Further measures will apply where products are critical to safe construction and there is a risk of serious harm if something goes wrong. “The approach will be proportionate, taking account of the build context,” the white paper said.
Other measures include unlimited fines or imprisonment for non-compliance, new public sector testing capacity, a requirement for clear, accurate product information labelling, a new ‘construction library’ created with industry, and improved digital traceability.
“Reforms will unlock innovation in materials and methods, attract skilled talent, and boost productivity – driving a modern, high-performing sector capable of meeting the UK’s housing and infrastructure needs. Developers can have confidence that the products they use will be safe and of high quality,” the white paper concluded.
The recent publication built on the Building Safety Act, which came into law in 2022. The act set out safety requirements for landlords of high-rise buildings – including a requirement to pay to fix historical safety defects – regulated the building control profession, gave residents more say in how their homes are kept safe, and introduced a new developer tax.
The implications of the act will be explored next week (17 March) at IMechE’s Building Safety 2026 event, taking place at its One Birdcage Walk headquarters in Westminster. The conference will bring together leading voices from across building construction and industry regulation – including Kate O’Neill, director of buildings design and construction at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, and Lord Andrew Roe, chair of the Building Safety Regulator – to provide practical guidance on managing risk, look at new dutyholder roles and consider the use of digital tools to enhance safety and efficiency.
‘Safer homes and lasting change’
On the same day as the recent white paper, the government published its first annual report on implementation of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommendations. The report showed that 2,100 buildings had started or completed recommended remediation measures, and that the number of inspections and formal notices on unsafe buildings had more than doubled.
“We must strive to continue to make lasting and progressive change that improves the safety and quality of both new and existing buildings and, crucially, place people who live and work in buildings at the centre of our thinking,” said Thouria Istephan, the government’s interim chief construction adviser.
The report found that 12 recommendations, including bringing government fire safety functions under the control of one department and minister, had been completed. In January, the Building Safety Regulator also became a standalone organisation, paving the way for the creation of a single construction regulator. 70% of the recommendations are expected to be completed by the end of the year.
“We will never forget the tragedy of Grenfell and will continue working with the local community, industry and local authorities to deliver safer homes and lasting change,” Dixon said.
“The failings outlined by the inquiry exposed fundamental issues in product, building and fire safety standards and through the construction products white paper and our work to implement all the recommendations of the inquiry, we will create a better system for millions of people across the country.”
Other changes made include improvements in professional standards across construction, fire engineering, building control and fire risk assessment, including specialist training for 1,200 workers.
The tragedy “must never be repeated”, said housing secretary Steve Reed. “Everyone should feel safe in their home. We are making progress implementing the inquiry recommendations, but there is more to do as we continue to learn and act on the mistakes of the past.”
Stronger enforcement is already being brought against those who put people at risk through unsafe buildings, the government said, with local regulators issuing 124% more formal notices and 140% more inspections by end of June 2025 compared with the period prior to departmental funding.
As well as improving safety, the measures unveiled last month were also aimed at providing confidence to developers to build the 1.5 million homes the government has said the country needs. Consultation is ongoing until 20 May, with secondary legislation expected later this year.
Engineers responsible for new-build and existing buildings need to adapt their approach to building safety. Find out more at Building Safety 2026, IMechE’s conference for senior professionals involved in the safety, design and delivery of high-rise and complex buildings.
The event will take place at One Birdcage Walk, Westminster, on Tuesday 17 March. Find out more and book now.
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Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily represent the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.