New body under MHCLG ‘first step towards single construction regulator’
The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) is now a standalone body under the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
The BSR, established in 2021 with full powers coming into force in 2022, has to date been part of the Health & Safety Executive.
However the body has attracted criticism over delays to ‘gateway 2’ approvals under the Building Safety Act.
The government believes the move into a new executive non-departmental public body sponsored by MCHLG, which completed yesterday, will strengthen lines of accountability. It is also aimed at giving more focus to BSR operations while serving as a first step towards establishing a single construction regulator as recommended in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report.
Charlie Pugsley, acting chief executive of BSR, said: “Today is a significant new chapter for BSR, with a clear signal that while we must continue to focus on improving our operational delivery for both new build homes and occupied HRBs, our mandate extends far beyond high-rise oversight to a broader responsibility for safety and standards across buildings in England.
“By driving professional competence and refining regulatory guidance, we can ensure a holistic approach that spans from initial design through to lifelong building management.
“Our commitment to robust enforcement and cultural transformation serves a single, vital purpose in 2026 and beyond - restoring resident confidence and trust in the built environment.”
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