1. Publication of latest version of Approved Document B (fire safety)

On 8 March 2025, the government published the latest version of Approved Document B (fire safety) covering fire safety matters within and around buildings.

A list of the amendments can be found here which confirm that:

• From 2 March 2025, for building work involving the erection or extension or change of use of a relevant building, fire safety information should be given to the relevant duty holder on whichever is the earlier of: (i) when the project is complete; or (ii) when the building is occupied.

The government has also published a collection of historical documents relating to Approved Document B, which can now all be found in one place. This includes previous versions of Approved Documents B that are no longer in use, associated FAQs and archived amendment booklets.

2. Government response to Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Report

On 26 February 2025 the government set out its response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s Phase 2 report, which was published on 4 September 2024.

The response addresses each of the 58 recommendations and also provides details of the action taken to date and the government's long-term vision for reform.

The proposed reforms include:

• A single regulator for all functions relating to the construction industry is proposed (save for testing and certifying construction products).

• Statutory guidance in the form of Approved Documents to be kept under review. A consultation on further changes to Approved Document B will be carried out by the BSR in autumn 2025.

• Tough new rules on construction product safety are proposed, backed by a strengthened regulator to stamp out bad practice and drive higher standards.

• Social housing residents to be empowered to challenge landlords and demand safe, high-quality housing.

• A publicly accessible record of all recommendations made by public inquiries since 2024 to be created.

• With reference to the government's recently announced Remediation Acceleration Plan, the government has indicated that there will be further changes in the law to create certainty on which buildings need remediating and who is responsible for remediating them.

Find our article summarising the government's response here. Full details of the recommendations and responses can be found in Chapter 1 of the response.

3. Consultation on Construction Products Reform

The Construction Products Reform Green Paper was published on 26 February 2025 following the government's response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry's Phase 2 Report.

The green paper serves as the government’s response to the Independent Review of Product Testing and Certification published in April 2023 and is a consultation on proposals for institutional and regulatory reform of the construction products regime.

The consultation runs from 26 February 2025 to 21 May 2025 and can be responded to here.

4. FTT's Decision to make a RCO against 76 Respondents in Grey GR v Edgewater & Ors

On 27 January 2025 the FTT published its decision in Vista Tower, Stevenage SG1 1AR: CAM/26UH/HYI/2023/0003 making a Remediation Contribution Order in favour of Grey GR Limited Partnership against 76 Respondents, the first of its kind.

DAC Beachcroft LLP acted for the successful applicant, Grey GR Limited Partnership, in the above proceedings. Here is a link to our article explaining this key decision on how the Tribunal will approach RCO applications.

DAC Beachcroft has a dedicated building safety team with extensive experience advising all stakeholders on how best to prepare for, manage and mitigate the implications of the Building Safety Act and associated legislation. As well as proactive advice on how the legislation affects commercial interests, we help our clients navigate the risks in procurement and contract management, legacy claims, extended exposures under the Act, construction products, commercial disputes and insurance issues. We also offer bespoke training on how the Building Safety Act impacts across the industry.