Single Construction Regulator Prospectus consultation

Single Construction Regulator Prospectus consultation

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has launched a consultation into the Single Construction Regulator (SCR). The proposed changes intend to reduce fragmentation of regulation and drive culture change in the industry. ​ 
 
We are seeking member feedback to inform a sector response to the consultation. Please get in touch with any feedback by Friday 28 February. 

Background 

Following the tragic fire at Grenfell Tower in 2017, which led to the preventable deaths of 72 people, the Grenfell Tower Inquiry was established. The Inquiry found that trust in the regulatory system had collapsed. It concluded the tragedy resulted from decades of failure by central government and key bodies across the construction sector. The report highlighted a fragmented regulatory framework riddled with gaps in standards and oversight, widespread dishonesty among product manufacturers, and major failings by those responsible for the building’s refurbishment and maintenance. It also uncovered conflicts of interest within regulatory bodies and criticised the government for allowing life‑safety issues to be weakened by deregulation, enabling these systemic failures to persist.
 
The Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report’s first recommendation to the government was to reform the construction industry regulatory landscape, recommending a single construction regulator. The aim is to create a regulator that reduces fragmentation and drives culture change.  
 
The government accepted the Inquiry’s recommendations. The government intends that the SCR will not only meet the Inquiry’s recommendation but will also create the right conditions for actors across the whole building ecosystem to play their role in achieving positive outcomes. The government has said that  this will provide greater market certainty, promote growth, and avoid the need for costly interventions down the line. 
 
From 27 January, the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), which has until now been part of the Health and Safety Executive, has moved to an arm’s-length body under MHCLG. The government states that this paves the way for the creation of the SCR.