Title

HOUSING

Queen's speech: Whitehall to 'implement' new building safety standards

The Government plans to ‘implement new building safety standards’ in order to prevent a repeat of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, according to the Queen’s speech.

The Government plans to introduce laws to ‘implement new building safety standards' in order to prevent a repeat of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, according to the Queen's speech.

A new building safety regulator will ensure that developers and landlords comply with new safety standards, particularly those affecting high-rise buildings.

The new framework builds on Dame Judith Hackitt's independent review of building safety in the wake of the Grenfell fire which killed 72 residents of a high-rise building in North London.

The Government says it will introduce ‘clearer accountability' and ‘stronger duties' for developers and landlords, while giving residents a stronger voice in the system.

It also aims to strengthen enforcement and sanctions to deter non-compliance of the new regulations.

A consultation exercise on the proposal for a new building safety regulator was launched in June and lasted eight weeks. This drew criticism from the Chartered Institute of Housing which argued it should have gone on for 12 weeks.

HOUSING

How do we make a success of a National Care Service?

By William Burns | 11 March 2026

England, Scotland and Wales are at different stages of their journey towards a National Care Service. William Burns asks what the countries can learn from ea...

HOUSING

LGR: Could new area committees bring power closer to communities?

By Sue Bearman | 09 March 2026

Claire Ward and Sue Bearman say LGR offers a real chance to enhance a sense of place. But they add that many councils are finding it hard to explore alternat...

HOUSING

Neighbourhood watch

By David Blackman | 20 February 2026

With the UK’s Shared Prosperity Fund expiring imminently, the launch of the Pride in Place programme has placed a renewed focus on neighbourhood regeneration...

HOUSING

Councils hold back help for Building Safety Regulator

By Paul Marinko | 17 February 2026

A request for council help from the beleaguered Building Safety Regulator (BSR) fell on deaf ears this year, with only one authority offering support.

Popular articles by William Eichler