Association News

UK government expands support for residents in lower-rise buildings with unsafe cladding

Thu, 9 Jul 2026 16:17:00 GMT

The UK government has today (9 July 2026) announced expanded support for residents living in buildings with unsafe cladding, including new funding for under 11-metre buildings in England where serious fire safety risks have been identified.

The new funding will form part of the existing Cladding Safety Scheme and will be prioritised for buildings that pose the greatest risk to residents. The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) said the move is intended to help protect leaseholders from the cost of fixing serious safety issues they did not cause.

This announcement marks a shift in how buildings are prioritised for remediation. Rather than focusing mainly on building height, MHCLG says it will take a risk-based approach so that buildings with the most serious safety concerns are addressed first.

The update follows commitments set out in the Remediation Acceleration Plan and forms part of wider work to respond to the failings identified by the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. MHCLG has also said that its forthcoming Remediation Bill will aim to strengthen responsibilities on landlords to fix unsafe buildings.

Alongside the funding announcement, UK government has welcomed a new Financial Conduct Authority review into insurance premiums for buildings with fire safety risks. The review will consider how insurers’ pricing approaches have changed, whether products are delivering fair value for leaseholders, and how remediation work is reflected in risk assessments.

MHCLG’s press release also confirmed a series of changes intended to improve building safety regulation and reduce delays. These include plans for a new Single Construction Regulator, changes to simplify the issuing of Building Assessment Certificates, clearer guidance for building owners, and consultations relating to emergency works, telecommunications work and regulatory processes for existing buildings.

Press release: Expanded support for residents living with unsafe cladding

Written ministerial statement: Expanding Support for Remediation and Reforming the Building Safety System

UK government updates guidance on Fire Safety Order enforcement and sanctions

Thu, 9 Jul 2026 15:58:00 GMT

The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) has updated its guidance on enforcement and sanctions for non-compliance under fire safety legislation in England.

The Fire Safety Order is aimed at Responsible Persons and others with duties under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022. (The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies to premises within England and Wales, and The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 apply to relevant premises within England only.)

It explains how enforcing authorities assess compliance, what action they may take where breaches are identified, and the possible consequences of failing to meet statutory duties.
For most premises, enforcement is carried out by the local fire and rescue authority. However, other bodies may act as the enforcing authority in specific circumstances, including the GB Health and Safety Executive, for construction sites that do not form part of an occupied building.

The guidance confirms that enforcement action should be transparent and proportionate to risk. Depending on the nature and seriousness of any breach, this may include verbal advice, non-statutory notices, statutory notices, or prosecution.

Statutory notices can include enforcement notices, prohibition notices and alterations notices. The guidance also highlights that appeals against statutory notices must usually be lodged with the magistrates’ court within 21 days of service.

Where serious breaches place people at risk of death or serious injury, or where a statutory notice is not complied with, prosecution may follow. The maximum penalty can include an unlimited fine and, in Crown Court cases, imprisonment for up to two years.

CABE Members and all built environment professionals involved in fire safety, building management, inspection, maintenance or compliance are advised to review the updated guidance to ensure they understand how enforcement may apply in practice and where responsibilities sit under the fire safety legislation.

Fire Safety Order: enforcement and sanctions for non-compliance

As per MHCLG, if you are not sure whether you or your organisation are Responsible Persons under the fire safety legislation, or you are not sure how to comply with the legislation, please refer to A Short Guide for Persons with Duties under Fire Safety Legislation.

Summary: Welsh Building Safety Programme June Newsletter

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 12:53:00 GMT

The Welsh Government has released its June Building Safety Newsletter, a summary of which is below.

New Minister for Building Safety
Sian Gwenllian MS was appointed Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning at last month’s Senedd election, and stated her commitment to maintaining the pace and ambition that saw the Building Safety (Wales) Act pass through the Senedd.

Remediation dashboard
The Building Safety Remediation Dashboard captures progress made in delivering fire safety remediation across Wales, via the Building Safety Remediation Programme. The Dashboard can show:

• total number of residential buildings of 11 metres and over identified as needing fire safety work
• building height
• responsibility for building e.g. social landlord
• stage of progress

The Dashboard is updated every month and assists in identifying where intervention may be needed from the Building Safety team.

Take a look at the Dashboard here.

Expression of Interest
Responsible Persons, i.e. freeholders, managing agents, and other accountable persons across the private and public sectors, are encouraged by the Welsh Building Safety team to use the Expression of Interest (EOI) mechanism to raise concerns of any known or suspected fire safety issues in their building.
The EOI allows Responsible Persons to have a digital survey carried out on their behalf, paid for by the Welsh Building Safety Fund, to help identify any risks and actions that might be required to reduce fire risks.

Find out more about the EOI.

Building Safety (Wales) Act 2026 (the Act)

The Act received royal assent in April 2026, and as per the Welsh Government, some additional details are required to bring the new regime to life, which will be set out in Regulations. The development of these Regulations has already begun, with consultations ongoing and to be released, and the Building Safety department has established an external advisory group to provide direction and guidance on implementing the Act.

Consultation: Remediations Regulations
This consultation asks for views on the Welsh Government’s proposals for regulations about the remediation of certain historical in-built building safety defects and the categorisation of buildings regulated by the Act.

Find out more and participate here.

Design and construction regulations
New regulations, brought in to strengthen the Welsh building control system for higher-risk buildings, come into force from 1 July 2026 and sit alongside broader updates to existing regulations.

Guidance on the regulations.

To sign up to receive the Building Safety Newsletter, visit:
www.gov.wales/welsh-building-safety-programme-newsletters

MHCLG issue open call for evidence: Strategy for the built environment

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 11:36:00 GMT

The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) within UK government has put out a public call for evidence to assist in its development of a long-term strategy for the built environment professions, trades and occupations in England – the Professions Strategy.

The call for evidence applies to England only and is, as per the MHCLG, to gather detailed information about the challenges impacting how people and organisations work across the built environment.

The department wants to hear from those who work in the sector and its systems – who is doing what, how is work being undertaken, what are the practical skills, knowledge and behaviours being exhibited to support safety and quality?

Any interested parties can respond to the survey, but MHCLG is especially interested in responses from the following:

• individuals, companies or organisations involved in all stages of the building life-cycle
• members of the public
• chartered and other professional bodies operating in the built environment sector, including trade bodies and members and/or operators of self-certification (competent person) schemes and third-party certification schemes
• industry-led sector bodies and organisations
• statutory regulators
• finance and financial services professionals, including insurers, funders, investors and joint‑venture partners
• legal services professionals, including those involved in commercial contract law and conveyancing
• education and training providers, including Higher Education Institutions and wider skills and education providers to the construction industry
• local government representative organisations
• Citizens Advice and other consumer bodies; and
• disability charities, disabled people’s organisations and representatives of disability bodies.

Take part in the survey and give the UK government your case studies, experiences in the field and help feed into the MHCLG’s understanding of current barriers, opportunities and interdependencies shaping how people work during all stages of the building process.

The survey is broken down into five parts, and therefore participants are encouraged to respond on the sections and questions most relevant to their expertise.

The submitted evidence will, in the words of the department, help UK government to make critical choices about the shape and scope of the Professions Strategy based on a solid understanding of how the system currently works, and the kinds of actions required to lead to demonstrable change.

The Professions Strategy is planned for publication in spring 2027.

The survey is open to responses until 12 August 2026 – respondents can take part online, or by emailing their answers to BPDengagment@communities.gov.uk

For all the details and to access the survey, visit the MHCLG’s call for evidence.

New Building Control guidance suite published by Welsh Government

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 11:05:00 GMT

The Building Regulations department within Welsh Government has published a new, online suite of Building Control guidance.

As per Mark Tambini, Head of Building Regulations Policy, the documents are in support of the new building control regime and provide more clarity on key requirements and processes.

The documents are:

Any stakeholders with queries on any element of the guidance is invited to email enquiries.brconstruction@gov.wales

Homebuying Shake Up - New Rules To Simply Homebuying and Selling

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 13:46:00 GMT

Buying and selling a home is set to become faster, cheaper, and less stressful under major reforms unveiled by the UK's Ministry of Housing and Local Government on 19 June 2026. The aim of the changes are to cut delays, reduce and digitalise paperwork, and stop sales collapsing.

Sellers and estate agents will have to provide key information upfront in sales packs at the point of listing. This will set out a home’s condition, leasehold costs, and chain status so buyers can make informed decisions, and property professionals can get to work sooner.

Changes will also see new earlier binding agreements to stop parties walking away months into negotiations without a legitimate reason.

In addition, a new Code of Practice will raise standards for estate agents, alongside proposals for mandatory qualifications for the sector which could ensure agents are properly equipped to support efficient transactions and rebuild trust in the sector.

At the heart of the reforms is a shift to digital – replacing the outdated paper-based systems with faster, more reliable tools. Digital property logbooks and sales packs will allow trusted information to be shared securely between professionals and accessed by buyers and sellers in real-time.

The government will also back digital identity checks, electronic signatures and AI-assisted conveyancing to strip out duplication, reduce fraud risk and accelerate transactions from start to finish. Together it is hoped that these changes will create a modern, end-to-end system where people can track and progress their move more easily.

These changes will have a direct impact on the Residential Surveying processes. For more information, and updates, visit the UK Government's website.

Plug In Solar Consultation

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 10:38:00 GMT

The UK's Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has launched a consultation call Plug-in Solar: Regulatory amendment and interim product specification.

The consultation is seeking Building Engineer's views on their proposals to enable the safe and legal use of plug-in solar products in the UK. The consultation is only open for two weeks so make sure have your say by 30 June 2026.

Welsh Government opens consultation on Remediation of Building Safety Defects

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 13:52:00 GMT

Welsh Government has opened a consultation entitled Implementing the Building Safety (Wales) Act 2026, which is asking for industry opinion on proposed regulations on remediation of building safety defects and the determination of building height and the number of storeys.

As per the Building Safety Department, this consultation proposes how regulation-making powers set out in the Building Safety (Wales) Act 2026 will be used to (a) create a system for the making of remediation orders and remediation contribution orders by the residential property tribunal, (b) limit the liability of leaseholders for the cost of remediation and related provisions, and (c) provide a method for calculating the height and number of storeys of a regulated building.

Responses need to be submitted by 7 September 2026 and this can be done online, or via email or by post if you download the response form.

For full details and to submit your comments, visit the consultation web page.

Construction Leadership Council updates its HRB Building Safety guidance

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 10:09:00 GMT

Further to their guidance suite initially updated in December 2025, the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has now released two further guidance notes on the Fire and Emergency File and the Building Regulations Compliance Statement for Building Control approval applications for new Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs).

As per the CLC, these new notes provide key information on the preparation, content and management of the key accompanying documents for a HRB Building Control Approval (Gateway 2) application and subsequent approved documents for a HRB Completion Certificate (Gateway 3) applications. The guidance notes are supported by an example of the structure and content of a Fire and Emergency File (FEF) and a sample extract of a Building Regulations Compliance Statement (BRCS).

Find the full, updated CLC guidance suite here.

Download the CLC Guidance Note 01 - The Building Safety Regime for a new HRB.

For further reading, go to the CLC website.

Scottish Government launches research into future Certification register

Wed, 3 Jun 2026 16:59:00 GMT

The Scottish Government has commissioned research to help shape the future development of Scotland's Building Standards Certification Register.

The Building Standards Division has appointed independent research contractor Ember Technology to review the requirements for a new Certification Register, which records Approved Certifiers of Design and Construction operating within Scotland's building standards system.

The register is used by members of the public, building owners and industry professionals to identify approved certifiers and verify certification credentials. The research will explore how a future register could better meet the needs of users and support the wider building standards system.

As part of the project, the Scottish Government is seeking feedback from users of the current register through a public survey. The findings will inform the development of a new digital register as part of wider work being undertaken through the Scottish Building Standards Futures Board.

The review forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Scotland's building standards system, improve compliance with building regulations and enhance access to information on approved building professionals. The development of a new certification register has already been identified as a priority within the Scottish Government's certification strategy workstream.

Access the survey here.

Further reading on the Scottish Building Standards Futures Board Programme.

If you have any queries on Certification or any aspect of the Futures Board's work, contact them at BuildingStandards@gov.scot

UK government announces £96 million construction skills funding package

Wed, 3 Jun 2026 16:44:00 GMT

Tens of thousands of industry placements are set to be created across England as part of a £96 million UK government investment aimed at addressing construction skills shortages and supporting future housebuilding and infrastructure delivery.

The Department for Education (DfE) has announced a £96 million funding package to expand construction industry placements for those beginning construction courses from September 2026. The funding is intended to provide hands-on experience on building sites while helping employers address ongoing skills shortages across the sector.

According to the latest Office for National Statistics figures referenced by the DfE, the construction sector in England currently has more than 35,000 vacancies, with more than half linked to a shortage of appropriately skilled workers. The investment forms part of wider efforts to strengthen the construction workforce and support the delivery of new homes and infrastructure projects.

Alongside the placement funding, the UK government has published further details of planned vocational education reforms. These include the introduction of new qualifications and pathways designed to give learners greater flexibility between academic and technical routes. New subjects expected to be introduced from 2028 include construction design, bricklaying and plumbing.

Skills Minister Jacqui Smith said the reforms are intended to place vocational learning on an equal footing with academic education while creating a stronger pipeline of skilled workers for sectors facing recruitment challenges.

The announcement follows a series of government measures aimed at expanding construction skills provision, including investment in Technical Excellence Colleges, apprenticeships, skills bootcamps and other training initiatives designed to increase the supply of skilled construction professionals.

Find the DfE's full press release here.

Landscape Institute release research findings

Thu, 21 May 2026 09:22:00 GMT

New national polling commissioned by the Landscape Institute (LI) and conducted by Ipsos has found there to be overwhelming public interest in greener, better-connected and better-planned housing developments across the UK.

The findings highlight strong public support for a whole-place approach to development, with landscape seen as integral to what people value, rather than an afterthought once buildings and roads have been planned.

Key findings from the first phase of the Landscape Institute’s research show:

90% of respondents say green features between buildings and pavements are important
89% say access to communal green spaces matters when choosing a home
83% say nature conservation is important in housing development; and
78% value features that help to better manage rainwater.

These first-phase findings will inform conversations across the built environment sector, including at UKREiiF 2026, at a time where there is growing recognition that landscape, transport, place quality and climate resilience must be considered together from the outset of development. The findings highlight the vital role that landscape expertise plays in delivering multiple benefits from built development to supporting people to championing place and nature.

The results clearly indicate that landscape cannot be treated as an optional extra in the planning and construction of new developments. Access to communal green space and green features within streets both ranked higher in the polling than architectural design when people were asked to consider what is essential in new housing. The public’s response to the poll points towards the need for the housing developments of the future to provide benefits in terms of health, community and the environment.

When asked about the value of communal green space, respondents highlighted the importance of biodiversity, air quality, recreation and community connection. At the same time, people placed these priorities alongside transport, walkability and overall layout, showing strong support for a whole-place, landscape-led approach to development. The research findings reinforced that landscape is a critical component of places that work well for all.

Carolin Göhler FLI, President of the Landscape Institute, commented: “The findings of this public poll underline that placing landscape at the forefront of any development is a necessity for creating places that people want and can thrive in. Landscape is the foundation of healthy nature, thriving communities and long-term economic and environmental resilience. To build not only the quantity but also the quality of places that people deserve today, the poll confirms that a shift in thinking is needed to consider the whole area and the natural system in which a development is taking place.

“A ‘landscape-first approach’ to development delivers places with real value. Through consideration of the existing landscape and features, integration of nature into planning and fostering community involvement, a landscape-led development, driven by chartered landscape architects, creates places that benefit both people and the planet.”

The research reinforces the Landscape Institute’s long-term vision of enriching, resilient landscapes where people and nature flourish. Through the art and science of landscape design, planning and management, landscape professionals connect people, place and nature and deliver wellbeing, sustainability and delight alongside economic benefits. Carefully considered housing design that is grounded in an understanding of landscape enhances biodiversity, supports climate change mitigation and carbon sequestration, improves flood resilience and supports community development, creating places people want to live.

As the UK continues to plan for new homes and infrastructure, the findings highlight a clear route to building public confidence in growth. People in the UK are increasingly calling for developments that are greener, better connected and better planned, and the evidence shows that landscape-led development helps deliver exactly that.

For more on the Landscape Institute, visit their website: www.landscapeinstitute.org

Building Control Independent Panel Report published

Wed, 20 May 2026 15:34:00 GMT

The UK government’s Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) has today published the report of the Building Control Independent Panel (BCIP), chaired by Dame Judith Hackitt, alongside the government’s response to the BCIP’s recommendations.

Find the BCIP report here.

Access the UK government's response to the recommendations here.

CABE will be reviewing both the report and recommendations in detail over the coming weeks and, in due course, will arrange an online session for members interested in discussing the proposals with us further.

For more background on the BCIP, visit the UK government's web page.

Industry Group publishes new guidance on managing competence

Fri, 15 May 2026 09:57:00 GMT

The Industry Task and Finish Group (ITFG) has published its guidance on Managing Competence in the Built Environment: An industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles, providing practical, proportionate and risk-based support for organisations operating across the built environment.

The ITFG is an industry-led, time-limited group formed in June 2025 in response to the new Building Safety Regime’s requirement to manage competence in organisations. It brings together more than 50 professional bodies, industry organisations, regulators and assurance bodies, with the shared aim of translating high level principles for managing competence in the built environment into a practical day to day application that is recognised across the sector and helps drive up competence and building safety outcomes.

CABE is a supporter of the ITFG.

The guidance sets out what effective organisational competence management looks like in practice for organisations of all sizes and risk profiles, SMEs, micro-businesses and large organisations alike, enabling them to demonstrate that people working for them, or on their behalf, are competent for the work they undertake.

Its flexible and proportionate approach means that the guidance can be used alongside existing management systems, or as a foundation where no formal approach is yet in place. Although prompted to meet competence management requirements set by building safety reforms, it can be used more widely across the built environment.

The guidance has been developed alongside, and is fully aligned with, the Industry Competence Committee (ICC) publication Setting Expectations on Competence Management. Used together, the ICC advice sets out what good looks like at a high level, while the ITFG guidance explains how organisations can put those principles into practice.

The guidance looks at the role of organisational leadership and governance, while emphasising that actively managing competence is not simply about qualifications or training records; it is about ensuring that organisations have enough people with the right skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours for their role.

Using the principles set out in the ICC document, the ITFG guidance sets out the key elements organisations, SME’s and large organisations alike, should think about when putting effective competence management in place, defining what competence is needed for different roles and activities, assessing and verifying competence, and making sure competence is monitored and maintained over time.

Sofie Hooper, Chair of the ITFG, said: “With competence being a critical determinant of health and safety, building safety and quality outcomes, the management of competence by organisations is not only a requirement for building safety, but it actively underpins the safety, performance and reliability of structures through the built environment.

“This important document will provide much needed guidance across the sector on how to manage competence well and it could not have been done without the cross sector support and the dedication of the experts in the Steering Group. We would also like to thank the ICC for the collaboration so that we could align our guidance - making a difference together.”

The guidance will next play a key role in shaping the development of a future British Standard on managing competence in organisations.

Available from supporting organisations’ websites, the ITFG and ICC documents are both also available from the BSI Competence hub, where organisations using the guidance can share their feedback and practical experience of the guidance.

The ITFG will next be developing case studies and encourages organisations wanting to contribute to get in touch with Sofie.Hooper@aps.org.uk.

Download Managing Competence in the Built Environment: An industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.

Setting Expectations on Competence Management Principles

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:48:00 GMT

The Industry Competence Committee (ICC) has published Setting Expectations on Competence Management Principles.

The document sets out the ICC’s expectations for how organisations should manage and assure the competence of those undertaking design, building work, and managing buildings, particularly those that manage Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs).

The advice reflects feedback from industry consultation undertaken in May and September 2025 and establishes the common principles that should underpin organisational approaches to competence.

ICC will build on this advice during 2026 through the development of case studies and practical examples to support implementation.

The full document can be accessed on the Built Environment Hub, if you have a membership log-in - Setting Expectations on Competence Management - ICC Advice for Industry

Spring updates from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 11:31:00 GMT

The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) within UK government has published a spring edition of its Building Safety Newsletter. A summary of its updates is below:

New fire safety rules

Now in effect are the Fire Safety (Residential Evacuation Plans) Regulations.

Applicable to high-rise buildings and some medium-rise buildings in England, these rules mean building owners (often referred to as “responsible persons”) must:

• identify residents who may need help to get out in a fire
• carry out a personal fire risk assessment for these residents
• take reasonable steps to reduce any risks
• provide a written emergency evacuation statement; and
• share relevant information with the local Fire and Rescue Service (with the resident’s agreement)

See the residential Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) guidance page and the Responsible Person Toolkit for more.

Fire Safety Guidance consultation

The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) has opened a consultation on updates to Approved Document B, which supports the fire safety requirements of the Building Regulations.

The consultation asks for responses by 1 July 2026 – take part here.

Building Work Categorisation consultation

The MHCLG published a consultation on proportionality in building control: categorisation of higher-risk building work at the end of March. The department is proposing to change how Category A and Category B building work in England is defined, with the aim of maintaining safety standards whilst reducing administrative burden for applicants.

This consultation closes on 28 May 2026 – visit the open consultation page.

Future of Fire Risk Assessors consultation

A third consultation is also open to participants who may wish to offer their views on introducing mandatory certification for fire risk assessors. Anyone with an interest in fire safety is encouraged to participate.

Closing on 18 June 2026 – go to the fire risk assessors profession consultation page.

Upcoming webinar: Construction Products Reform White Paper

The MHCLG is hosting a webinar on 5 May covering the Construction Products Reform White Paper, published back in February.

There is also a consultation open on the paper.

Find out more about the webinar and sign up to it here.

Take part in this consultation by 20 May 2026 by visiting its website.

New fire safety guidance

The Leasehold Advisory Service has released two new fire safety guidance documents, designed to help resident directors and leaseholders to better understand their roles and responsibilities.

Both documents offer practical advice on managing fire safety in residential buildings, as well as covering the latest information on PEEPs.

Fire safety for resident directors

Fire safety measures

BSR update

Now standing as a standalone organisation within the MHCLG, the BSR offered the following brief updates on progress:

1. over 10,000 new homes approved in the past 12 weeks
2. approval rates for new build schemes rising to 61%, up from 33% earlier this year (and reaching 90% in London)
3. faster progress on remediation approvals, supported by:
• dedicated multi‑disciplinary teams bringing together technical, fire safety and regulatory expertise
• named account managers for complex cases
• greater use of approvals with conditions, allowing work to begin safely while minor issues are resolved

Approval rates for remediation work are now close to the 65% target set for 2026/27 in BSR’s strategic plan.

You can sign up for more regular updates via the BSR’s monthly bulletin.

Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) updates

The RSH regulates social housing providers in England, making sure that landlords provide safe, decent homes and services.

It also holds landlords to a set of regulatory standards that cover economic, financial and consumer issues.

The regulator has issued its 2024-25 Tenant Satisfaction Measures for large landlords.

It has also released the latest results from its Fire Safety Remediation Survey for social landlords.

Sector report on heat-soaked thermally toughened glass

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) is the national regulator for construction products. In that capacity, OPSS made unannounced inspections of UK glass manufacturers and found wide-spread non-compliance, resulting in enforcement action.

Further to this, OPSS published its sector report in March on heat-soaked thermally toughened glass, which explains why the Office check products on the market and why they take action if they find non-compliance.

Find a recent article on this report via the Building Engineer website.

Building Safety Levy

MCHLG and Local Authority Building Control (LABC) have been collaborating to support the readiness of councils for the Building Safety Levy.

The Levy is being introduced to help fund the building safety system and building remediation.

Comprehensive Levy guidance can be accessed here.

To receive the MHCLG’s Building Safety newsletter every quarter, visit its sign-up page.

Ireland: changes afoot for Planning Exemptions Regulations

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:18:00 GMT

The Irish Government has issued a press release introducing changes to Planning Exemptions Regulations.

An update on the proposed Exempted Development Regulations for Residential Dwellings was taken to Cabinet on 21 April 2026 by James Browne TD, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and John Cummins, Minister of State for Local Government.

As per the press release, the changes stem from the Irish Government's commitment to "lift the regulatory burden on homeowners" and "the practical need for homeowners to maximise the efficient use of residential space through enhancements, expansion or adaptation if they wish to do so with their homes."

The proposed changes follow a public consultation held last year, and will cover planning aspects related to residential housing/principal dwellings, auxiliary dwellings, the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2026, and certain tax arrangements amongst other considerations.

An environmental assessment of the Regulations is now underway before formal ratification of the changes.

For the full press release on the changes to Planning Exemptions Regulations, visit the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage website.

Ireland open public consultation on amendments to Part D and Technical Guidance Document D

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 09:30:00 GMT

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage within Ireland's government has launched a public consultation, inviting comment on the draft amendments to Part D of the Second Schedule to the Building Regulations (Materials and Workmanship) and the associated draft Technical Guidance Document D.

As per the Department's website, the Building Regulations are subject to ongoing review in the interests of safety. As the Building Regulations are to be kept in alignment with the EU Regulation CPR 2024, the Department is proposing to amend Part D and Technical Guidance Document D "to extend the definition of 'proper materials' to refer to CPR 2024."

The consultation closes to submissions at 5pm on 30 April 2026.

For full details on the proposals, participation instructions and further reading, visit the Irish Government's consultation web page.

Howden Insurance publish annual market report with contribution from CABE CEO Richard Harral

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 09:33:00 GMT

Howden Insurance Brokers Limited sets out the developments shaping the engineering profession in their new market report, Cutting Edge: Engineers Professional Indemnity.

The report explores how improved market conditions, with increased insurer capacity and smoother renewals, are developing alongside extended liabilities, evolving legislation and tougher contractual expectations.

Cutting Edge covers:

2025 market trends
2026 market forecast
claims update
legislation update
contractual obligations and PI limit trends; and
future claim risks to prepare for.

With contributions from across the sector, including CABE Chief Executive Richard Harral, Howden's report provides a clear view of how professional risk is changing, and why choices around appointments, scope and insurance can shape exposure years into the future.

For more details, and to download the report, visit the Howden website.

Find out more about how Howden works in conjunction with CABE to assist our members here.

Department for Education in England announce major funding for run-down college buildings

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 11:56:00 GMT

UK government has issued a press release stating plans to invest £307 million in fixing and upgrading colleges across England.

According to the press release, 175 colleges will benefit from the investment, which will go towards upgrading, repairing and maintaining these buildings' roofs, windows, heating systems and other ailing facilities as required, after many years of neglect.

The colleges throughout England will receive individual allocations from the Department of Education this summer, with each institution able to decide how their allocation is spent.

Find the complete press release here.

UKAS suspend accreditation of British Board of Agrément

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 14:07:00 GMT

The United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) has temporarily suspended its accreditation of The British Board of Agrément (BBA).

As per the BBA's website, this suspension (in place since end of February this year) means it is currently unable to deliver accredited testing, inspection and certification activities, applicable across many international standards.

For the full news story, visit the Building Engineer website.

For BBA's current statement on the matter, see their 'About Us' web page.

Key new appointments made to Building Advisory Committee

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 10:54:00 GMT

The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) in England and Wales has announced new senior appointments to the Building Advisory Committee (BAC).

Following a recruitment process that closed in early January 2026, Dr Barbara Lane has joined BAC as its first Independent Chair, with CABE Head of Technical Insight, Dr Hywel Davies OBE, becoming its Deputy Chair.

BAC was created in 2022 to assist the BSR in addressing new and emerging issues across the built environment, and to provide industry leadership and drivers for change. The committee is a key source of advice to the BSR, in tandem with the Industry Competence Committee and the Statutory Residents' Panel.

Hywel chaired BAC's predecessor, the Building Regulations Advisory Committee, between 2020 and 2023.

Dr Lane is a chartered senior engineering executive and a Fellow of global consultancy firm Arup.

For full details on the announcement, visit the UK government's Making Buildings Safer campaign news page.

Find BAC's Terms of Reference here.

Welsh Government publish new Approved Document L and Approved Document F

Thu, 9 Apr 2026 10:39:00 GMT

The Building Regulations Team within Welsh Government has issued circular WGC 006/2026 to local authority chief executives, the Welsh Local Government Association, the Construction Industry Council and the Competent Persons Forum.

The circular announces the publication of a new Approved Document L 2026 (Conservation of fuel and power and the minimisation of greenhouse gas emissions) Volumes 1 and 2, as well as Approved Document F, Ventilation, Volume 1.

To read the full circular and to access the new publications, go to the Welsh Government's guidance web page.

For further information, contact the Building Regulations Team at: enquiries.brconstruction@gov.wales

UK government announce £70 million to go towards tackling skills shortage and building targets

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 16:34:00 GMT

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) within UK government has unveiled a plan to inject £70 million of funding to "address shortages in building safety professions and help build 1.5 million homes."

As per the MHCLG's press release, this funding will be delivered over the course of three years and "is a response to recommendations from the House of Lords regulatory committee for the government to increase capacity in the in the building control and fire engineering sectors, while both the Fire Engineers Advisory Panel and responses to the Building Control Independent Panel’s call for evidence have highlighted the importance of suitably qualified and trained professionals."

For a breakdown of the funding splits and more on the intended objectives for the funding, see the full press release.

BSR opens 2026 consultation on proposed updates to Approved Document B

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 11:09:00 GMT

As part of the Building Safety Regulator's continuous review of Approved Document B: Fire Safety, a consultation has been opened on current proposed amendments to the Document.

Published yesterday (25 March 2026), this consultation will run until 17 June 2026 and its proposals relate to England only.

As per the GB Health and Safety Executive, the proposals to amend Approved Document B are listed as follows:

undertake small but important clarifications and technical changes to the guidance within Approved Document B
consolidate guidance for designing building work on existing buildings
introduce a threshold whereby the guidance within Approved Document B should not be applied when combustible elements of structure are used
revise and update guidance on external wall systems and balconies and review the scope of the ban on combustible materials in and on external walls
recommend the provision of evacuation lifts in residential buildings above 18m and clarify the guidance for non-residential buildings
update terminology on 'sheltered housing', introducing the new term 'specialised housing' in its place and include provisions for alarm coverage in these building types to be a minimum of Category LD1
introduce updated guidance on roofs, including new provisions for the incorporation of photovoltaic (PV) panels; and
increase in the fire resistance rating of open-sided car parks.

For full details on the consultation and the ways in which to participate, visit the HSE's consultation web page.

Further reading for context: