Building and fire safety law and policy

Building and fire safety are complex and rapidly changing areas of law and policy in the UK, with significant implications for those drafting construction contracts, advising on projects, and acting in disputes.

Developments following the Grenfell Tower fire

Following the Grenfell Tower fire in June 2017, the UK government, and the Scottish and Welsh governments, have implemented several courses of action intended to address acute concerns regarding building safety, with a focus on better-protecting residents of high-rise residential buildings.

In the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower Fire, the UK government carried out an independent review of the Building Regulations and fire safety laws. The final report was published on 17 May 2018 (the Hackitt report). It set out over 50 recommendations, including a new regulator to oversee the construction and management of buildings. See News Analysis: The Hackitt fire safety report—does it go far enough?

In addition, effective from December 2018, the Building (Amendment) Regulations 2018, SI 2018/1230 amended the Building Regulations so as to ban the use of combustible materials in the construction of external walls of high-rise residential buildings (and certain

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Latest Construction News

Settlement agreement disputes: jurisdictional challenge to adjudication under the original construction contract (London Eco Homes v Raise Now Ealing)

Construction analysis: The Technology and Construction Court (TCC) granted summary judgment enforcing an adjudicator’s decision requiring the defendant to make payment to the claimant of sums due under a settlement agreement. The court held that the settlement agreement made between the parties constituted a variation to the original construction contract, and consequently the adjudication provisions from the original contract were preserved and available to the parties for disputes in relation to the settlement agreement; the adjudicator had jurisdiction.

CLC endorses Conflict Avoidance Coalition

The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has announced its endorsement of the Conflict Avoidance Coalition (CAC) and is calling for industry-wide adoption of the CAC's Conflict Avoidance Pledge. The Pledge, signed by 600 businesses and organisations and endorsed by the UK government and Cabinet Office, commits signatories to proactively avoid contractual disputes and implement early intervention measures. The CAC comprises institutions such as the Institution of Civil Engineers, the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, among others. The CAC has also developed a Conflict Avoidance Toolkit, providing practical guidance and techniques for preventing disputes and resolving issues early and cost effectively.

Welsh Government introduces Building Safety Bill with new regulatory regime

The Welsh Government has laid the Building Safety (Wales) Bill before the Senedd, establishing a new safety regime for multi-occupied residential buildings. The legislation is based on three key principles: safety, accountability, and residents' rights. It forms part of a broader programme of building safety reforms.

CIRIA publishes guidance on performance specifications for offsite construction projects

The Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA) and BUILDOFFSITE have published guidance titled ‘Using performance specifications for offsite construction projects’. The document addresses a key industry challenge: overly detailed specifications that can inadvertently limit projects to traditional delivery methods. It aims to remove barriers to adopting modern methods of construction (MMC) by encouraging the use of performance-based specifications. The guidance also provides practical advice on drafting functional specifications, outlines a systems-based framework to support offsite and MMC delivery, and features nine sector-specific case studies alongside organisational building blocks to promote more productive and sustainable practices.