Policy & Regulations

The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) has held its first national annual conference to support industry and dutyholders in preparing for new building safety regulations in England.

The Welsh government is seeking views on the principles and standards of behaviour that building control approvers and registered building inspectors will need to adhere to.

Analysis of the latest English Housing Survey data by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) finds that excessively cold homes alone in England could be costing the NHS £540m a year.

The Welsh Government has launched two new consultations seeking views on the forthcoming building inspectors register; and changes to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

Those responsible for the safety of high-rise residential buildings in England have six months from April to register with the new Building Safety Regulator.

The Welsh government has launched a consultation on proposals to amend the statutory guidance (Approved Document J) supporting Part J of the Building Regulations to require that carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are fitted alongside the installation of flued fixed combustion appliances of any fuel type in all residential dwellings.

Irene Hayden believes the policies and promises of the past few years show that the construction industry in Ireland is experiencing a period of innovation and leadership in response to national and global challenges

In November 2022, the BSR published a consultation on the competence framework for Registered Building Control Inspectors.

The Welsh government has launched a consultation on Building Regulations to include the requirement for automatic fire suppression systems in children’s homes, and to replicate provisions within the measure, so that reference can be made to a single piece of legislation.

In November 2022, the Irish Minister of State with responsibility for Planning and Local Government signed Building Regulations (Part M Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. No. 608 of 2022). These make provisions for a changing places toilet in certain buildings. The regulations came into action in January 2023.

Builders, contractors, specialist sub-contractors and tradespeople in Ireland will all need to begin registering with CIRI this year. Will it fulfil its aim of creating more competent builders? Peter Crush investigates

The UK government has extended the deadline for the implementation of the UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) mark and will continue to recognise the CE marking until June 2025. It had been due to be implemented on 1 January 2022 with a 31 December 2022 deadline.

The New Homes Quality Board, code of conduct and ombudsman service is a milestone in improving the building industry’s relationship with consumers, reports Huw Morris

The Construction Industry Council (CIC) has elected Paul Bussey and Philip Baker as the new Chair and Deputy Chair of the CIC Health & Safety Committee.

Tens of thousands of new homes face being delayed or scrapped because phosphate, found in animal and human waste, is getting into rivers and affecting water quality.

The Statutory Instrument amending the building regulations to implement the new homes connectivity policy has been published.

We speak to NASC’s technical adviser Dennis Braithwaite about why every CABE member needs to watch his recent webinar: Is My Scaffolding Safe?

The review following the Grenfell Tower fire highlighted a lack of consistency in the competence of those working on buildings.