P2-20 Response Accepted AI-assessed

Require principal designer compliance statement at Gateway 2

Recommendation

That it be made a statutory requirement that an application for building control approval in relation to the construction or refurbishment of a higher-risk building (Gateway 2) be supported by a statement from a senior manager of the principal designer under the Building Safety Act 2022 that all reasonable steps have been taken to ensure that on completion the building as designed will be as safe as is required by the Building Regulations. (113.31)

Published Evidence Summary
The following publicly available evidence relates to this recommendation:
According to the Gov.uk progress update, 1 Feb 2026, a statutory requirement proposal mandates that a senior manager of the principal designer must provide a statement with building control approval applications, confirming that all reasonable steps were taken to ensure design compliance with Building Regulations (Gov.uk progress update, 1 Feb 2026). According to the Gov.uk progress update, 1 Feb 2026, the government is considering whether this requirement should extend beyond higher-risk buildings (Gov.uk progress update, 1 Feb 2026).
How was this assessed?
Assessed by gemini-2.5-flash on 19 Mar 2026
Checked data held on this site (government responses, progress updates, independent evidence)
External sources searched: www.gov.uk, www.legislation.gov.uk, hansard.parliament.uk
Jurisdiction
England
Response
Accepted
Accepted UK Government
26 Feb 2025

The government accepts this recommendation. We intend to make it a statutory requirement to include such a statement with building control approval applications requiring the principal designer to confirm they have complied with their existing duties. This includes all reasonable steps being taken to ensure the design complies with relevant requirements in building regulations. We will consider whether this requirement should apply to all building control routes, not just higher-risk buildings, in line with the requirements of dutyholders under the Building Safety Act 2022.

Read Full Response
Progress Timeline
Official Report
01 Feb 2026

Statutory requirement proposal mandates principal designer senior manager statement with building control approval applications confirming reasonable steps taken ensuring design compliance with Building Regulations. Government considering whether requirement should extend beyond higher-risk buildings. Continued engagement with sector understanding perspectives on effectiveness informing implementation approach.

Source
Report Grenfell Tower Inquiry: Phase 2 Report 04 Sep 2024
Responsible Bodies
UK Government Primary
Recommendation age 1.5 yrs
Last formal update 01 Feb 2026