Review statutory guidance and Approved Document B
That the statutory guidance generally, and Approved Document B in particular, be reviewed accordingly and a revised version published as soon as possible. (113.11)
- The government's annual report stated a six-member expert panel was appointed on 31 July 2025 to guide the BSR-led review, with interim findings published in summer 2025 and comprehensive recommendations expected in 2026 (Annual Report on Progress, MHCLG, February 2026).
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedThe government accepts this recommendation. The Building Safety Regulator is undertaking a review of how statutory guidance, currently offered in the form of Approved Documents, might best be structured, updated and presented in order to provide accurate, up to date and coherent guidance to support designers in demonstrating compliance with the building regulations. Interim findings will be published by summer 2025 and a full list of recommendations will be published in 2026. The guidance in Approved Document B has been updated several times since 2017 to make it clearer and to improve fire safety standards. The government has committed to keep Approved Document B under continuous review, and the Building Safety Regulator will consult on further changes in autumn 2025.
Progress Timeline
Statutory guidance review underway examining Approved Documents structure and presentation. Interim findings published summer 2025; comprehensive recommendations expected 2026. Approved Document B updated multiple times since 2017 with consultation on further changes planned autumn 2025. Six-member expert panel appointed 31 July 2025 guiding BSR-led review of Building Regulations guidance suite. (Covers Recommendations 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12.)