The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the issues identified by the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and strengthening confidence in the building safety system through a series of new measures and consultations.

A Call for Evidence has been launched to support the development of a new Building Professions Strategy, examining how professionals across the building process from designers to contractors operate at every stage. Due to be published in 2027, the strategy will define the skills, experience and accountability expected across the sector, helping to ensure a competent workforce capable of delivering safe and sustainable buildings.

Alongside this, the Government has taken the first step towards establishing a new College of Fire and Rescue. The proposed College aims to strengthen leadership, professionalism and operational consistency across Fire and Rescue Services, while improving access to best practice and supporting workforce development across the sector.

The consultation currently underway is seeking views from industry stakeholders and the public on:

• The strategic aims of the College of Fire and Rescue
• The functions it should perform
• Potential delivery and funding models
• How the College would interact with the National Framework for Fire and Rescue Authorities
• Legislative requirements needed to support its establishment

As reported by Fire Safety Matters, the King’s Speech also confirmed plans for a Remediation Bill aimed at accelerating the remediation of unsafe cladding, reducing barriers to progress and improving safety for residents.

Further measures include:

• Proposed reforms to the Building Control system, developed in partnership with the sector and informed by recommendations from the Building Control Independent Panel.
• New Public Engagement Policy advising ministers and senior civil servants not to attend certain public events involving the seven companies most criticised in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report, except in limited circumstances.

These developments coincide with the publication of the Government’s latest quarterly progress report on the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

In addition to the measures outlined above, the Government has confirmed the closure of nine further recommendations relating to the construction industry and emergency response and recovery, bringing the total number of completed recommendations to 21.

The Government has stated it will continue to work closely with local communities, industry and local authorities to deliver safer homes and support lasting change across the built environment sector.

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