The Government has published its Construction Products Reform White Paper, setting out significant proposals to strengthen the regulation of construction products in direct response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

The reforms aim to address unregulated practices that have undermined confidence in the construction sector. A central proposal is the introduction of a new general safety requirement, ensuring that all construction products are properly assessed before being placed on the market or used in buildings. Currently, only around one third of products fall within the scope of regulation.

The Government has launched a consultation on the new requirement, with secondary legislation expected later this year and implementation to follow as Parliamentary time allows.
Alongside these proposals, the Government has published its first Annual Report on the implementation of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommendations. Of the 58 recommendations made in the Inquiry’s final report (September 2024), 12 have been completed, including the consolidation of fire safety responsibilities within a single Government department. Over 70% of the recommendations are expected to be delivered by the end of this year.

Making progress

Housing Secretary Steve Reed said: “The Grenfell Tower fire was a tragedy that must never be repeated. Everyone should feel safe in their home. We are making progress on implementing the Inquiry’s recommendations, but there’s more to do as we continue to learn and act on the mistakes of the past.”

Samantha Dixon (Minister for Building Safety, Fire and Democracy) stated: “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. The failings outlined by the Inquiry Panel exposed fundamental issues in product, building and fire safety standards. Through the Construction Products White Paper, and our work to implement all of the recommendations of the Inquiry Panel, we will create a better system for millions of people right across the country.”

Interim chief construction advisor Thouria Istephan explained: “We must never forget the loss of 72 innocent lives and the impact the tragedy continues to have on the Grenfell community. The Government’s announcements highlight the important ongoing work to reform and improve the complex regulatory system. 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 very centre of our thought process.”

Further measures include:

• Establishment of the independent Building Safety Regulator, supporting greater consistency in building regulation and enforcement, and paving the way for a single construction regulator.
• Strengthened building safety requirements across the design, construction and management of buildings.
• Improved professional standards in construction, fire engineering, Building Control and fire risk assessment, supported by new bodies promoting best practice and specialist training for over 1,200 professionals.
• Enhanced support for residents, with more than 4,500 individuals accessing training to better understand and exercise their rights.
• Accelerated remediation, with over 180,000 residents benefitting from works started or completed across 2,100 buildings.
• Increased enforcement activity, with a 124% rise in formal notices and a 140% increase in inspections compared with the period prior to additional departmental funding.

The Government has also introduced the Grenfell Tower Memorial (Expenditure) Bill to support the creation and long-term management of a permanent memorial, alongside plans for a second site, archive and exhibition.

The Metropolitan Police Service continues its extensive investigation into the tragedy, involving approximately 180 officers and staff. The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that those responsible are held to account.

These reforms represent a continued and necessary step towards restoring confidence, strengthening accountability and improving safety across the built environment.

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