Parliamentary activity

Answering body: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

The Government is committed to taking clear and proportionate action in response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s findings.

The Public Engagement Policy and which companies it applies to is published on GOV.UK. Ministers and senior civil servants will decide how and when they engage with external bodies bearing in mind the principles of accountability, transparency and the balance of public interest.

Answering body: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

We recognise concerns about building safety costs and are clear that costs should be fair, transparent and represent value for money.

Protections are in place to limit the costs of remediating historical building safety defects. Cladding remediation costs are met by Government funding programmes or developers, while further protections, including the Developer Remediation Contract, contribution caps for certain leaseholders, and Remediation Contribution Orders, help ensure leaseholders are protected from remediation costs.

Building owners and accountable persons are responsible for managing building safety risks, demonstrating to the Regulator how risks are being managed, and taking steps to minimise unnecessary compliance costs.

We remain committed to reviewing how leaseholders can be better protected from costs.

Answering body: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

We recognise concerns about building safety costs and are clear that costs should be fair, transparent and represent value for money.

Protections are in place to limit the costs of remediating historical building safety defects. Cladding remediation costs are met by Government funding programmes or developers, while further protections, including the Developer Remediation Contract, contribution caps for certain leaseholders, and Remediation Contribution Orders, help ensure leaseholders are protected from remediation costs.

Building owners and accountable persons are responsible for managing building safety risks, demonstrating to the Regulator how risks are being managed, and taking steps to minimise unnecessary compliance costs.

We remain committed to reviewing how leaseholders can be better protected from costs.

Answering body: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

The Government recognises the importance of research and innovation in supporting effective fire and rescue services.

The Government accepted the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s recommendation to establish a College of Fire and Rescue. The Inquiry envisaged that the College could provide national training and education, undertake research, support the development of equipment, policies and procedures, and set and maintain standards of managerial competence.

Work is under way to develop proposals for the College and Ministers have engaged sector stakeholders, including through the Ministerial Advisory Group on Fire and Rescue Reform (MAGFRR) established in December 2024, as part of its commitment to work formally with all stakeholders across the fire and rescue sector to inform policy. The consultation on a College of Fire and Rescue launched on 20 May and seeks views on the College’s aims, functions and delivery model, including a research function.

Answering body: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

MHCLG ministers and officials have engaged with the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) as part of fire and rescue reform work, including on the future approach to national standards.

In England, national professional standards are currently developed and maintained by the Fire Standards Board (FSB), which has published 19 non‑statutory standards covering topics relating to operational management, leadership and ethics.

The Government is taking forward work to establish a College of Fire and Rescue, as recommended by the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. We published a consultation on the scope and design of the College of Fire and Rescue on 20 May 2026 . As part of this consultation, we are seeking views on what an effective national standards function could look like, building on the FSB’s work.

The FBU is a crucial stakeholder and a member of the Ministerial Advisory Group on Fire and Rescue Reform (MAGFRR), which the Government established in December 2024 as part of its commitment to work formally with all stakeholders across the fire and rescue sector to inform policy.

Answering body: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

The Government has accepted, in principle, the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s recommendation to establish a national college of fire and rescue. The Inquiry report suggested a range of potential functions for a college to fulfil, including the development and assurance of national standards relating to various aspects of the work of fire and rescue services.

Any future college function relating to national standards would build on the work already undertaken by the Fire Standards Board (FSB), which currently develops and maintains a suite of professional standards for fire and rescue services in England. The 19 standards currently published by the FSB cover a range of topics relating to operational management, leadership and ethics.

Answering body: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

The Grenfell Tower Inquiry report made recommendations for reform relating to certain built environment professions, including regulation of fire engineers and mandatory accreditation of fire risk assessors. We have accepted these recommendations in full. We are aware of the importance of competence, accountability and good regulation to achieve a safer built environment and will continue to engage with the sector on this.

Part 4 of the Building Safety Act 2022 requires that building safety risks in Higher Risk Buildings are assessed, managed and controlled.  The assessment must be suitable and sufficient and all reasonable steps must be taken to manage and control the building safety risks.  Along with the Building Safety Regulator we keep under review the operation of the Building Assessment Certificate regime to ensure appropriate management of risks in Higher Risk Buildings.

Answering body: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

The Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report recommended that the Government establish a system of mandatory accreditation to certify the competence of fire risk assessors (FRAs) by setting standards for qualification and continuing professional development and such other measures as may be considered necessary or desirable. The Government accepted this recommendation in full, committing to legislate to make it a mandatory requirement for FRAs to have the competence to perform this critical role. To support delivery of the Inquiry recommendation, we intend to consult shortly on proposals relating to the future of the FRA profession.

Answering body: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

The government has accepted, in principle, the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s recommendation to establish a national college of fire and rescue. The Inquiry report suggested a range of potential functions for a college to fulfil, including the development of policies and procedures to ensure both the effectiveness of fire and rescue services and the safety of firefighters and the public.

The government response to the Inquiry’s report notes that a necessary first step in the process will be to consult on the functions a college should have, what these functions should look like and how the college could best be structured and delivered. We expect to launch this consultation in the coming months.

Any future college function relating to national standards would build on the work already undertaken by the Fire Standards Board (FSB), which currently develops and maintains a suite of professional standards for fire and rescue services in England. The 19 standards currently published by the FSB cover a range of topics relating to operational management, leadership and ethics.

Answering body: Cabinet Office

As was the case under the previous administration, the Cabinet Office issues standard Cabinet Office branded lanyards to staff as a default.

On 6 April, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster announced a ban on unnecessary branded merchandise. Whilst it was agreed that some expenditure on merchandise items is necessary for operational purposes (for example, security lanyards), all of these orders were made prior to this government’s ban on unnecessary branded merchandise.

The (a) artwork and (b) branding for the 6,376 lanyards purchased prior to this ban, stated in Question 58669, is as follows:

‘reflex blue plain stock’ lanyards

blue lanyards with the Cabinet Office crest and the words "College for National Security" printed on them.

plain purple lanyards, with the Cabinet Office crest and "FS Conference 2024 Committee" printed on them

lanyards featuring a blue style with white print displaying "Crown Commercial Service" and the Crown logo, with metal hooks for attaching passes

“Phase 2 Grenfell Tower Inquiry” with lanyards with Team Member printed in black and 2 colour logo to face

“Government Project Delivery” lanyards printed in full colour to both sides

“Cabinet Office Digital” lanyards printed in full colour to both sides

"100 Year Partnership between Ukraine and the UK" lanyards printed with four colour logo

Answering body: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

The withdrawal of National Classes fire testing standards (BS 476) from Approved Document B in favour of the European Standard (BS EN 13501) aimed to enhance fire protection by simplifying compliance routes within the guidance. This change makes it easier and clearer to ensure products meet required standards and enables simpler performance comparison.

The suitability of BS 476 and the transition to the EN standard was scrutinised during the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. The EN suite of standards, unlike the BS 476 series, is constantly reviewed, periodically updated, and does not rely on withdrawn standards. The EN suite of standards is therefore seen as more suitable in the long term. The consultation response published alongside the Written Statement on 2 September 2024 shows a majority of respondents were in support of moving to the European Standard.

We recognised the potential economic impact of this transition, particularly for sectors such as bespoke timber fire doors, cavity barriers, and smoke vents, through the consultation response impact analysis. In response, a five-year transition period was introduced for fire resistance classifications, running from 2 September 2024 to 2 September 2029. This extended period was developed in consultation with industry to allow sufficient time for retesting and certification under the new standard.

While concerns have been raised about the timing of the transition, we remain committed to the planned timeline. The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) will continue to monitor the impact of the change and support industry through the transition. BSR will keep these standards under review as part of their continuous review of Approved Document B, in line with their duty under the Building Safety Act to keep the safety and standards of building under review in England.

Answering body: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

The withdrawal of National Classes fire testing standards (BS 476) from Approved Document B in favour of the European Standard (BS EN 13501) aimed to enhance fire protection by simplifying compliance routes within the guidance. This change makes it easier and clearer to ensure products meet required standards and enables simpler performance comparison.

The suitability of BS 476 and the transition to the EN standard was scrutinised during the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. The EN suite of standards, unlike the BS 476 series, is constantly reviewed, periodically updated, and does not rely on withdrawn standards. The EN suite of standards is therefore seen as more suitable in the long term. The consultation response published alongside the Written Statement on 2 September 2024 shows a majority of respondents were in support of moving to the European Standard.

We recognised the potential economic impact of this transition, particularly for sectors such as bespoke timber fire doors, cavity barriers, and smoke vents, through the consultation response impact analysis. In response, a five-year transition period was introduced for fire resistance classifications, running from 2 September 2024 to 2 September 2029. This extended period was developed in consultation with industry to allow sufficient time for retesting and certification under the new standard.

While concerns have been raised about the timing of the transition, we remain committed to the planned timeline. The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) will continue to monitor the impact of the change and support industry through the transition. BSR will keep these standards under review as part of their continuous review of Approved Document B, in line with their duty under the Building Safety Act to keep the safety and standards of building under review in England.

Answering body: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

The withdrawal of National Classes fire testing standards (BS 476) from Approved Document B in favour of the European Standard (BS EN 13501) aimed to enhance fire protection by simplifying compliance routes within the guidance. This change makes it easier and clearer to ensure products meet required standards and enabling simpler performance comparison.

The suitability of BS 476 and the transition to the EN standard was also scrutinised during the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. The EN suite of standards is constantly reviewed, periodically updated, and does not rely on withdrawn standards and is therefore seen as more suitable in the long term. The consultation response published alongside the Written Statement on 2 September 2024 shows a majority of respondents were in support of moving to the European Standard.

The Building Safety Regulator will keep these standards under review as part of their continuous review of Approved Document B, in line with their duty under the Building Safety Act to keep the safety and standard of buildings under review in England.

Answering body: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

On 2 September 2024, the Government announced the withdrawal of National Classes fire testing standards from Approved Document B, ending the dual classification system in favour of the European Standard (BS EN 13501). This change aimed to enhance fire protection by simplifying compliance routes within Approved Document B (ADB) and followed scrutiny during the Grenfell Tower Inquiry where the suitability of BS 476 was questioned.

The Government recognises the potential economic impact that could result from this change. The overall impact and associated benefits were carefully evaluated to inform the policy decision and are set out in the Impact Assessment that accompanied the policy announcement.

Market analysis and sector engagement showed limited impact on developers for the reaction to fire classification. Changes took effect on 2nd March 2025, with a six-month transition period provided for fire reaction.

We identified a larger impact on sectors involved in bespoke wooden fire doors, cavity barriers, smoke vents, and roofs due to re-testing requirements for the fire resistance classification. Concerns were also raised about testing site capacity. An extended transition period of 5 years was developed through discussions with the sector allowing manufacturers time to retest their products ahead of compliance with BS EN 13501 coming into force on 2nd September 2029.

We and the Building Safety Regulator will continue to support industry to develop new standards and testing capacity to minimise disruption to supply chains through the transitional period.

The Building Safety Regulator will keep these standards under review as part of their continuous review of Approved Document B, in line with their duty under the Building Safety Act to keep the safety and standard of buildings under review in England.

Answering body: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

On 2 September 2024, the Government announced the withdrawal of National Classes fire testing standards from Approved Document B, ending the dual classification system in favour of the European Standard (BS EN 13501). This change aimed to enhance fire protection by simplifying compliance routes within Approved Document B (ADB) and followed scrutiny during the Grenfell Tower Inquiry where the suitability of BS 476 was questioned.

The Government recognises the potential economic impact that could result from this change. The overall impact and associated benefits were carefully evaluated to inform the policy decision and are set out in the Impact Assessment that accompanied the policy announcement.

Market analysis and sector engagement showed limited impact on developers for the reaction to fire classification. Changes took effect on 2nd March 2025, with a six-month transition period provided for fire reaction.

We identified a larger impact on sectors involved in bespoke wooden fire doors, cavity barriers, smoke vents, and roofs due to re-testing requirements for the fire resistance classification. Concerns were also raised about testing site capacity. An extended transition period of 5 years was developed through discussions with the sector allowing manufacturers time to retest their products ahead of compliance with BS EN 13501 coming into force on 2nd September 2029.

We and the Building Safety Regulator will continue to support industry to develop new standards and testing capacity to minimise disruption to supply chains through the transitional period.

The Building Safety Regulator will keep these standards under review as part of their continuous review of Approved Document B, in line with their duty under the Building Safety Act to keep the safety and standard of buildings under review in England.

Answering body: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

On 2 September 2024, the Government announced the withdrawal of National Classes fire testing standards from Approved Document B, ending the dual classification system in favour of the European Standard (BS EN 13501). This change aimed to enhance fire protection by simplifying compliance routes within Approved Document B (ADB) and followed scrutiny during the Grenfell Tower Inquiry where the suitability of BS 476 was questioned.

The Government recognises the potential economic impact that could result from this change. The overall impact and associated benefits were carefully evaluated to inform the policy decision and are set out in the Impact Assessment that accompanied the policy announcement.

Market analysis and sector engagement showed limited impact on developers for the reaction to fire classification. Changes took effect on 2nd March 2025, with a six-month transition period provided for fire reaction.

We identified a larger impact on sectors involved in bespoke wooden fire doors, cavity barriers, smoke vents, and roofs due to re-testing requirements for the fire resistance classification. Concerns were also raised about testing site capacity. An extended transition period of 5 years was developed through discussions with the sector allowing manufacturers time to retest their products ahead of compliance with BS EN 13501 coming into force on 2nd September 2029.

We and the Building Safety Regulator will continue to support industry to develop new standards and testing capacity to minimise disruption to supply chains through the transitional period.

The Building Safety Regulator will keep these standards under review as part of their continuous review of Approved Document B, in line with their duty under the Building Safety Act to keep the safety and standard of buildings under review in England.

Answering body: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

On 2 September 2024, the Government announced the withdrawal of National Classes fire testing standards from Approved Document B, ending the dual classification system in favour of the European Standard (BS EN 13501). This change aimed to enhance fire protection by simplifying compliance routes within Approved Document B (ADB) and followed scrutiny during the Grenfell Tower Inquiry where the suitability of BS 476 was questioned.

The Government recognises the potential economic impact that could result from this change. The overall impact and associated benefits were carefully evaluated to inform the policy decision and are set out in the Impact Assessment that accompanied the policy announcement.

Market analysis and sector engagement showed limited impact on developers for the reaction to fire classification. Changes took effect on 2nd March 2025, with a six-month transition period provided for fire reaction.

We identified a larger impact on sectors involved in bespoke wooden fire doors, cavity barriers, smoke vents, and roofs due to re-testing requirements for the fire resistance classification. Concerns were also raised about testing site capacity. An extended transition period of 5 years was developed through discussions with the sector allowing manufacturers time to retest their products ahead of compliance with BS EN 13501 coming into force on 2nd September 2029.

We and the Building Safety Regulator will continue to support industry to develop new standards and testing capacity to minimise disruption to supply chains through the transitional period.

The Building Safety Regulator will keep these standards under review as part of their continuous review of Approved Document B, in line with their duty under the Building Safety Act to keep the safety and standard of buildings under review in England.

Answering body: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

The Building Regulations set out high-level functional requirements that most building work – including all new build housing – must meet. The regulations are supported by statutory guidance in the form of Approved Documents (ADs) which set out in more detail how to meet the functional requirements.

It is the responsibility of the building designer to comply with the requirements of the Building Regulations. The relevant building control authority will determine whether building work meets those requirements.

The Building Safety Act and the Government’s response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry set out how we will strengthen building control procedures, including establishing an independent panel to review the way in which building control is delivered in England. In October 2023, new procedures came into force which provide strengthened regulatory oversight of Building Regulations before, during, and on completion of higher-risk building work. This will ensure safer, better-quality buildings, without systemic defects.

To further reinforce standards, we remain committed to introducing a statutory New Homes Ombudsman scheme that developers will have to join, with an accompanying Code of Practice about the standards of conduct and standards of quality of work expected of members.

Answering body: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

The Building Regulations set out high-level functional requirements that most building work – including all new build housing – must meet. The regulations are supported by statutory guidance in the form of Approved Documents (ADs) which set out in more detail how to meet the functional requirements.

It is the responsibility of the building designer to comply with the requirements of the Building Regulations. The relevant building control authority will determine whether building work meets those requirements.

The Building Safety Act and the Government’s response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry set out how we will strengthen building control procedures, including establishing an independent panel to review the way in which building control is delivered in England. In October 2023, new procedures came into force which provide strengthened regulatory oversight of Building Regulations before, during, and on completion of higher-risk building work. This will ensure safer, better-quality buildings, without systemic defects.

To further reinforce standards, we remain committed to introducing a statutory New Homes Ombudsman scheme that developers will have to join, with an accompanying Code of Practice about the standards of conduct and standards of quality of work expected of members.

Answering body: Home Office

The Government funds the independent Fire Standards Board (FSB) to develop and maintain a comprehensive set of professional standards for fire and rescue services in England. The FSB has published 19 national standards for fire and rescue services: these cover a range of topics relating to operational management, leadership and ethics.

The Government has accepted, in principle, the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s recommendation to establish a national college of fire and rescue. The Inquiry report suggested a range of potential functions for a college to fulfil, including the development of policies and procedures to ensure both the effectiveness of fire and rescue services and the safety of firefighters and the public. The Government response to the Inquiry’s report notes that a necessary first step in the process will be to consult on the functions a college should have and how it could best be structured and delivered. We expect to launch this consultation later in the year.

Any future college function relating to national standards would build on the work already undertaken by the FSB.

Answering body: Home Office

Government funding for fire and rescue services is provided by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) through the Local Government Finance Settlement in the form of revenue support grant (RSG) and retained business rates.

As a recommendation in phase 2 of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, the Prime Minister has announced a Machinery of Government change, which will see all responsibility for fire and rescue transfer to MHCLG from 1st April.

Overall, fire and rescue authorities will receive around £2.87 billion in 2024/25. Additionally, Government supports fire and rescue authorities in responding to flood incidents by providing national resilience High Volume Pump (HVP) capability comprising 45 HVPs. These are available to be used by fire & rescue services across the country during major flood incidents.

The Government maintains regular engagement with the National Fire Chiefs Council to monitor and review sector led improvements to wildfire response and mitigation. In addition, the Government will continue to work closely with stakeholders across the sector to ensure fire and rescue services have the resources they need to protect communities.

Answering body: Home Office

Government funding for fire and rescue services is provided by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) through the Local Government Finance Settlement in the form of revenue support grant (RSG) and retained business rates.

As a recommendation in phase 2 of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, the Prime Minister has announced a Machinery of Government change, which will see all responsibility for fire and rescue transfer to MHCLG from 1st April.

Answering body: Cabinet Office

As confirmed in the government’s response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s recommendation 25, the government will establish a record on GOV.UK of all recommendations made by public inquiries since 2024, and will consider making this an enduring legal requirement. We will update parliament about this in due course.

Answering body: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

The government is committed to increasing transparency in the social rented sector, including by enabling residents of Tenant Management Organisations (TMOs) to request access to information about the management of their homes in the same way as other social tenants.

We will work closely with TMOs, local authorities and residents of homes managed by TMOs to consider how best to implement the requirements. Our priority will be to ensure tenants can access as much information as possible on their housing services. We will set out next steps in due course.

Answering body: Cabinet Office

As confirmed in the government’s response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s recommendation 25, the government will establish a record on GOV.UK of all recommendations made by public inquiries since 2024, and will consider making this an enduring legal requirement. We will update parliament about this in due course.