NFCC calls for building regs overhaul to modernise England’s safety system

NFCC calls for modernised building regs framework in England

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has called for modernisation of England’s building regulations and guidance, stronger accountability and more inclusive building design in a new Building Regulations and Guidance Position Statement issued on Wednesday 10 December 2025.

NFCC states that the Building Regulations 2010 and their Approved Documents no longer reflect modern construction methods, changing patterns of building use or the needs of a diverse and ageing population.

The organisation points out that much of the guidance is still based on post-war building studies.

It notes that this material has not kept pace with new risks or subsequent legislation such as the Equality Act 2010 and the Building Safety Act 2022.

According to NFCC, the current system leaves residents and building owners facing uncertainty over compliance and safety outcomes.

NFCC highlights that following the Approved Documents does not automatically secure compliance with the Building Regulations, while non-compliance does not always incur liability, which it says creates ambiguity that needs clearer standards, stronger competence and better oversight.

The Position Statement adds that some areas, including guidance on access and facilities for fire and rescue services, have gone more than a decade without detailed review.

NFCC also stresses that building design should enable all residents to evacuate without external assistance where possible.

It notes that government guidance still does not require evacuation lifts even in new residential buildings, despite the fact that many occupants cannot safely use stairs in an emergency.

Human factors, Grenfell lessons and evacuation expectations

NFCC links its call for reform directly to the experience of residents in real incidents.

The organisation states that design must consider human factors that can affect people’s ability to leave a building safely.

National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Chair, Phil Garrigan, said: “Buildings should be designed with the safety of the occupier in mind.

“Safety should never be compromised or considered secondary to the building design and the design should be inclusive and accessible from the outset.

“The Grenfell Tower fire highlighted the need to consider the human factors that can affect a person’s ability to leave a building safely – this must be built into planning and design from the very beginning.

“Our position statement is clear – the building regulation guidance is outdated, hasn’t kept pace with modern methods of construction, is too often misunderstood, and too slow to change.

“Residents have the right to expect that, should they need to, they can evacuate, or be supported to evacuate, their homes safely, including those with mobility impairments or other vulnerabilities.

“And those responsible for designing, constructing and managing buildings must adhere to clear and consistent standards.

“The Government’s commitment to further consultation and regular review of Approved Document B is welcome, but it must translate into meaningful, timely action.

“We need a modern, inclusive, and accountable system that reflects how people live today and ensures tragedies like the Grenfell Tower fire can never be repeated.”

NFCC underlines that residents should be able to expect safe evacuation or supported evacuation if needed.

The council states that those responsible for designing, constructing and managing buildings must work to clear and consistent standards that reflect this expectation.

Culture change, consultations and current practices under scrutiny

NFCC sets its Position Statement in the context of Dame Judith Hackitt’s 2018 Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety.

That review called for a cultural shift towards prioritising safety and for consideration of how buildings will be used and managed once complete.

NFCC reports that fire and rescue services provided advice on more than 45,000 building regulation consultations last year.

The council notes that this advice is not always acted upon.

It warns that failure to follow that advice can result in costly measures such as prohibition notices and waking watches.

NFCC also draws attention to current interpretations of guidance that allow developers to rely on non-worsening provisions.

According to the Position Statement, these interpretations can be used to avoid installing life-safety systems such as sprinklers and firefighting lifts during refurbishment, even where such systems could be added at relatively low cost.

NFCC warns that, without regulatory action to prevent this type of practice, the culture change set out in the Independent Review will not be achieved.

The council states that firefighters must be able to rely on buildings to provide safety for crews and adequate facilities to perform their role.

It lists clear standards for vehicle access, water supply, well-designed firefighting shafts and effective corridor and basement ventilation as core requirements to support life-saving operations.

NFCC’s three core recommendations to government

NFCC’s Position Statement sets out three main recommendations for government.

On updating guidance, NFCC wants comprehensive reviews of Approved Documents at least every five years.

It calls for clearer definitions of common building situations and for mandatory evacuation lifts in all new residential buildings.

The council also advocates for retrofitted sprinklers in single-stair high-rise buildings.

It wants improved provisions for firefighter access and water supply.

NFCC adds that guidance should explicitly address long-term building management responsibilities.

On competence, NFCC’s statement refers to examination of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 recommendations.

It highlights potential measures including licensing principal contractors on higher-risk buildings and mandatory accreditation for fire risk assessors.

The organisation supports the development of a government-led Construction Skills Strategy to address workforce gaps across the system.

On oversight and accountability, NFCC recommends protecting building control bodies from commercial pressures.

It wants fire and rescue service advice to have statutory weight in the process.

The council calls for a review of non-worsening provisions to prevent avoidance of safety upgrades.

It also backs consistent enforcement of Operational Standards Rules to secure more reliable outcomes across projects.