By 20 March 2026 the government will decide on a new single regulator that merges building safety, product compliance, professional competence and enforcement.
The move aims to bring fragmented construction oversight under one roof. It responds directly to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s first recommendation to reduce regulatory gaps and inconsistent standards.
Licensing principal contractors in high-risk buildings
The government plans to require principal contractors on higher-risk construction projects to hold a licence before starting work. This marks a shift from voluntary schemes to a regulated permission system.
Roundtables are already shaping how licensing will work. Licensed firms must prove their structures, skills and supervision meet standards before engaging subcontractors.
Higher workforce competence across all roles
Competence requirements will extend beyond traditionally regulated professions. Main contractors will need stronger evidence from supply chains of training, record keeping, and competence compliance.
This means subcontractors must maintain up-to-date competence records and meet formal standards to gain site access.
Stricter enforcement with real consequences
The proposed regulator will enforce clear, non-negotiable standards and act swiftly where unsafe work risks harm.
Repeated or intentional non-compliance will lead to sanctions. Principal contractors bear responsibility for subcontractors’ performance and will clamp down on informal or undocumented arrangements.
Changes to building control regulation
Building control arrangements are under review. The new regulator will eventually oversee building control, aiming for consistent regulation across regions.
This includes stronger competence requirements for building inspectors and less regional variation in compliance interpretation. Contractors will need to ensure work meets standards first time.
Accountability for construction products
The single regulator will oversee construction product regulation, including testing and certification systems. This responds to past problems with misleading product data and weak enforcement.
Contractors will face stricter rules for choosing and using products. A publicly accessible library of test data and clearer product information requirements will support compliance.
Digital-first approach to data and processes
The regulator will unify currently separate systems such as building control records, product data, and professional competence information.
Contractors can expect standardised digital submissions, fewer duplicated forms, and gradual automation of some checks.
Smaller firms will need to adapt but will benefit from simpler, more consistent processes.
Impact on contractors and subcontractors
The consultation targets contractors and subcontractors, who operate between design, product selection, and regulatory demands.
The intention is to create a more structured and accountable environment where competence and enforcement improve safety and fairness across the sector.
Firms that already prioritise strong compliance stand to benefit. Those relying on informal systems will face significant changes.
