The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) has introduced a comprehensive improvement plan to accelerate external remediation works on higher-risk buildings (HRBs) across England. 

Key measures include the creation of a dedicated multidisciplinary Task Force, supported by account managers, to streamline communication and decision-making. A recruitment drive will increase regulatory capacity, reducing caseloads from around 25 to approximately 10 per lead. The BSR will also adopt more flexible approval approaches, such as ‘approval with requirements’, allowing projects to begin while technical issues are resolved. 

Further guidance and resources will be published to support industry in navigating the Building Control process for existing buildings. 

Addressing delays 

Around 40% of applications rely on Government funding, and while newer submissions show improvement, older and more complex cases continue to face delays. These are largely due to resourcing pressures and a high volume of non-compliant applications. 

To address this, the BSR will expand its multidisciplinary team model and explore the use of additional Building Control professionals to support casework, enabling regulatory leads to focus on statutory responsibilities. 

Improving the process

The BSR will introduce a consistency process to resolve technical issues more quickly and increase direct engagement with applicants, including early discussions on complex projects. A clear prioritisation framework will also be published to improve transparency. 

Common issues 

Delays are often caused by incomplete or insufficient applications, including: 

• Lack of fire performance evidence for cladding systems 
• missing structural calculations  
• inadequate detail on cavity ventilation  
• incomplete thermal performance data  

Non-technical issues include incomplete design information, unsupported ‘non-worsening’ claims, poorly organised documentation, and unclear treatment of retained combustible materials. 

Next steps 

The BSR has published initial guidance and will provide further support and resources in the coming months. Improvements to digital systems will allow applicants to track progress, alongside enhanced data sharing with funding bodies. 

To address application issues, the BSR has published initial external remediation-driven guidance.

The regulator aims to reduce average decision times to under 12 weeks by December, with approval rates exceeding 65%, representing a significant improvement on current performance. 

Targeted package of measures 

Lord Roe, chair of the Board at the BSR said: “We continue to accelerate our decision-making for new-build applications, speeding up approvals for new-build and external remediation projects and increasing the supply of safe new and existing homes through the recent changes we’ve made to our processes.” 

Lord Roe continued: “However, we recognise current determination times for remediation cases are falling short of statutory targets. This plan represents a targeted and achievable package of measures to reset the system and clear older legacy remediation cases. By doing so, and then focusing on more recent applications, we can ensure high-rise residents see essential safety improvements they deserve without any unnecessary or further delays.” 

Charlie Pugsley, acting CEO of the BSR stated: “As we enter an important new chapter as a standalone regulator, our focus is on strengthening safety, rebuilding trust and supportively collaborating with industry. Collectively, these measures will ensure current and future remediation applications can proceed as smoothly and quickly as possible.” 

Pugsley added: “By launching a dedicated multidisciplinary team and introducing account managers, we are dramatically increasing our capacity to make faster decisions. Speed cannot come at the cost of safety. We will also publish further specific guidance and support to help industry submit higher-quality applications, thereby ensuring that thousands of residents can feel safe – and are safe – in their high-rise homes.” 

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