Building and fire safety regulations vary across the British Isles, with different rules applying depending on location. Since the Grenfell Tower fire, regulators have continued to review and strengthen frameworks to reduce risk and improve accountability.
This article outlines key recent developments across Scotland, Wales, Jersey and the wider UK.
Scotland reviews fire safety guidance
In January, the Scottish Government launched a call for evidence to support its review of Section 2 (Fire) of the Technical Handbooks, which provide guidance on how to meet the requirements of the Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004.
This call for evidence marks the first step in reviewing the fire section of the Technical Handbooks. The Scottish Government is particularly interested in hearing about challenges faced in meeting current fire safety standards.
Key areas under review
Questions in the consultation include whether the technical standards and associated guidance within Section 2 (Fire) of the Domestic and Non-Domestic Technical Handbooks could be improved.
Other topics include compartmentation, external fire spread, the stay put approach, building evacuation, means of escape for disabled and vulnerable people, the introduction of a new Compliance Plan Manager, and definitions of high-risk buildings.
The consultation runs until 10 April 2026. Full details and information on how to respond are available on the Gov.Scot website.
Wales introduces major building control changes
The Welsh Government has published two Building Regulations Circulars outlining changes due to come into force for building projects in Wales from 1 July 2026 under the Building etc. (Amendment) (No. 2) (Wales) Regulations 2025.
What the changes include
The new measures include responsibilities for those involved in building work that are similar to those already in place in England, helping to ensure individuals are competent and accountable.
They also introduce a new application-based process for building control approval and a requirement for higher-risk building work to receive approval before work can begin.
Further changes include stronger requirements around the provision and acknowledgement of fire safety information, a more structured system for managing changes during construction, and a duty for those involved to maintain a golden thread of building information.
The reforms also introduce a new system for reporting safety-related incidents during construction, along with procedures for certifying completed higher-risk building work.
The circulars can be viewed on the GOV.WALES website.
Jersey proposes new rules for tall residential buildings
Following an earlier consultation, the Government of Jersey has published draft regulations for tall residential buildings. The proposed measures would introduce seven specific requirements for buildings over 11 metres in height.
Proposed requirements for taller buildings
These include requiring the responsible person to provide floor and building plans to the fire and rescue service and keep them up to date. There would also be a requirement to install a secure information box in an accessible location, containing hard copies of plans and contact details for the building’s responsible person.
The draft regulations would also give fire and rescue services powers to require improvements to firefighting equipment within a building.
Other proposals include basic three-monthly checks of firefighting lifts, the introduction of high-visibility wayfinding signage, and a requirement to provide residents with basic fire safety information and instructions.
Regular fire door checks would also be required on flat entrance doors every 12 months and on communal fire doors every three months.
If approved, the regulations are due to come into force on 1 April 2027. Under Jersey’s current fire safety framework, the regulations would remain in force for three years before needing to be debated again. More information is available on the States Assembly website.
New Building Safety Newsletter launched
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has launched a new Building Safety Newsletter to keep interested parties informed about the Government’s plans to improve building safety, along with the latest guidance and other updates.
The current edition and sign-up details for future newsletters can be found on the GOV.UK website.
What this means for organisations
Across the British Isles, building and fire safety standards continue to evolve as governments and regulators respond to ongoing risks and lessons learned.
While the changes differ from one jurisdiction to another, the direction of travel is clear: stronger oversight, clearer responsibilities and a greater focus on accountability and resident safety.
For organisations involved in construction, property management and building compliance, keeping up with these developments will be essential in the months and years ahead.
How PIB Risk Management can help
Understanding how regulatory changes affect your organisation is critical. Our Building Surveying & Project Management specialists can help you interpret requirements, review compliance arrangements and strengthen building safety processes.
