P2-21 Response Accepted

Introduce licensing scheme for principal contractors

Recommendation

That a licensing scheme operated by the construction regulator be introduced for principal contractors wishing to undertake the construction or refurbishment of higher-risk buildings and that it be a legal requirement that any application for building control approval for the construction or refurbishment of a higher-risk building (Gateway 2) be supported by a personal undertaking from a director or senior manager of the principal contractor to take all reasonable care to ensure that on completion and handover the building is as safe as is required by the Building Regulations. (113.33)

Published Evidence Summary
The following publicly available evidence relates to this recommendation:
The government accepted this recommendation, committing to review the impact of the new dutyholder regime for higher-risk buildings and explore a licensing scheme for principal contractors (Official government response, 26 Feb 2025). As of 1 February 2026, a dutyholder regime review is underway, with industry roundtables gathering perspectives on the licensing scheme's scope and design to inform policy framework development (Gov.uk progress update, 1 Feb 2026).
How was this assessed?
Assessed by gemini-2.5-flash on 24 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 will review the impact of the new dutyholder regime in relation to higher-risk buildings, working with the sector to determine how we can go further, including introducing a licensing scheme for principal contractors where a licence may be granted on the basis of criteria aligned with the dutyholder requirements and can be withdrawn for failure to achieve compliance with the regulations.

Read Full Response
Progress Timeline
Official Report
01 Feb 2026

Dutyholder regime review underway with industry roundtables gathering perspectives on licensing scheme scope and operational design. Insights analysis informing policy framework development. Licensing scheme alignment with dutyholder requirements and regulation compliance withdrawal criteria under consideration.

Source
Report Grenfell Tower Inquiry: Phase 2 Report 04 Sep 2024
Responsible Bodies
UK Government Primary
Recommendation age 1.6 yrs
Last formal update 01 Feb 2026