Recommendation P2-21: Introduce licensing scheme for principal contractors
From Grenfell Tower Inquiry: Phase 2 Report, published 4 September 2024.
Recommendation
We therefore recommend 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)
In brief (written by this site)
In September 2026, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government reported that work remained in progress, with a call for evidence closed and a review of the dutyholder regime underway to inform licensing and accountability rules for principal contractors on higher-risk buildings (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Sep 2026; Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Sep 2026). The department stated in September 2026 that review findings are expected in late 2026, followed by primary and secondary legislation between 2027 and 2029 when parliamentary time allows, with implementation planned between 2028 and 2029 (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Sep 2026).
Sources
AI-generated summary of the record on this page, checked by a second model and automatic checks, 26 Sep 2026. The record below is the sources' own words.
Government response
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contractors where a licence may be granted on the basis of criteria aligned with the dutyholder requirements and can be withdrawn for failure to achieve compliance with the regulations.
How this response relates to the recommendation
Site note: This is the government's response to the Phase 2 report (CP 1248, published 26 February 2025). It prints each recommendation and then the response to it. Where the recommendation is addressed to a body outside government, the response prints that body's own acceptance (the Architects Registration Board and RIBA, HMICFRS, London Fire Brigade, the National Fire Chiefs Council, the British Standards Institution, the National Police Chiefs' Council), and the row is filed under that body.
Delivery
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government says in progress (10 September 2026)
We are continuing to develop this recommendation. The call for evidence for the Professions Strategy closed in August and the dutyholder regime review is underway. The outcomes of both these evidence-gathering exercises will inform how this recommendation is implemented – both in terms of principal contractor licensing on higher-risk buildings, and also for ensuring regulations offer sufficient senior accountability for principal contractors on higher-risk buildings.
Site note: This is the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government's progress report of September 2026 on the Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommendations. Where the passage describes work by another body, such as the National Fire Chiefs Council, London Fire Brigade, fire and rescue services, the British Standards Institution or the Cabinet Office, it is the Ministry's account of that body's progress, and the row is filed under the Ministry.
Earlier statements on delivery (2)
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (10 September 2026)
Timeline for delivery
2026
- Findings of the dutyholder regime review are published. – (Q4, Oct to Dec)
- Government will launch a call for evidence to gather feedback on proposals aimed at reforming the built environment professions, including introducing licensing requirements for principal contractors. – Complete
2027 to 2029 (when Parliamentary time allows)
- Introduction of primary legislation.
- Introduction of secondary legislation.
2028 to 2029
- Legislative framework complete. Single regulator (recommendation 1) established. Implementation and transition begins.
Site note: This is the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government's progress report of September 2026 on the Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommendations. Where the passage describes work by another body, such as the National Fire Chiefs Council, London Fire Brigade, fire and rescue services, the British Standards Institution or the Cabinet Office, it is the Ministry's account of that body's progress, and the row is filed under the Ministry.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (25 February 2026)
We are working on developing the policy framework for the licensing scheme. We have analysed the findings from stakeholder engagements held last year to shape proposals on the design of the licensing scheme.
In parallel, we are advancing work to align the requirements under recommendations 20 and 21. This includes the introduction of a personal undertaking or statement from a director or senior manager, confirming they have taken all reasonable care to ensure that, on completion, the building complies with the Building Regulations.
We are continuing our work on the review of the dutyholder regime. This review will help us understand how the current system is functioning across the sector. The review’s findings will play a key role in informing the design of the licensing scheme for recommendation 21.
In 2026, we will launch a call for evidence to gather feedback on proposals aimed at reforming the built environment professions, including introducing licensing requirements for principal contractors.
Site note: This is the annex of the government's Phase 2 annual report (CP 1512, published 25 February 2026) as GOV.UK publishes it, one page per theme: the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government's account. Where the passage describes work by another body, such as the National Fire Chiefs Council, London Fire Brigade, the British Standards Institution, the Health and Safety Executive or the Cabinet Office, it is the report's account of that body's progress, and the row is filed under the Ministry. The status is what the passage says: completed only where it says the recommendation is complete or closed.
Responsible bodies
Themes and tags
Who has spoken
- UK Government
Response - Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Delivery statement