Building Safety Remediation Update-March 2026
As part of this effort, the regulator has set a target to resolve the majority of outstanding remediation applications submitted in 2024 by 30 April 2026, reflecting continued pressure to speed up the delivery of building safety works across England.
The Remediation Improvement Plan introduces a number of operational changes designed to improve efficiency and reduce delays. A key measure is the creation of a dedicated Remediation Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT), mirroring the model used by the Innovation Unit for new-build schemes. This team will bring together specialist expertise and provide named account managers to improve communication and support applicants through the process.
Alongside this, the BSR is undertaking a recruitment campaign to expand its pool of Regulatory Leads, with the aim of lowering individual caseloads and improving turnaround times. The regulator will also increase its use of “Approval with Requirements”, allowing applications that largely meet Building Regulations to progress while outstanding details are finalised. This approach is expected to help unlock projects that might otherwise face lengthy delays due to minor information gaps.
Further support will come through the publication of tailored guidance specifically for remediation schemes, recognising that these projects often present different technical and logistical challenges compared to new builds—such as working in occupied buildings, sequencing fire safety upgrades, and coordinating with leaseholders. Build UK’s Gateway Two guidance already provides a comprehensive overview of the information required for applications relating to existing Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs), and the additional BSR guidance is intended to bring greater clarity and consistency to submissions.
These changes sit within a broader effort to address ongoing bottlenecks in the building safety regime introduced following the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and the subsequent overhaul of regulatory oversight. While the stricter Gateway process has improved scrutiny and safety outcomes, it has also led to slower approvals, particularly for complex remediation schemes. The new measures are therefore aimed at maintaining high safety standards while improving delivery pace.
Latest figures published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) highlight the scale of progress to date. As of the end of January 2026, remediation works have been completed on 36% of the 4,191 identified residential buildings over 11 metres in height, with a further 16% currently on site. Progress is more advanced for taller buildings, with 46% of the 2,355 buildings over 18 metres now fully remediated.
Despite this progress, a significant number of buildings still require works, and challenges remain around funding, contractor capacity and resident engagement. The BSR’s latest interventions are therefore seen as a critical step in accelerating delivery and ensuring that affected buildings are made safe as quickly as possible.