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BSRIA's legislation and guidance news tracker
This free news service monitors selected regulatory, guidance and news in construction, building design and building services.

This tracker was last updated on 21/02/2021.

Highlights - recent | View all >>

Homes England has announced on 21st February 2021 that it is opening its strategic partnership model to ‘a broader range of partners’ for when the competitive bidding round for proposals to access Affordable Homes grant funding commences in March 2021. Read more here
Homes England has announced, in collaboration with United Trust Bank, the launch of the Housing Accelerator fund—a £250m fund to support small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) builders with development finance to a maximum of 70% Loan to Gross Development Value. 16th February 2021. Read more here
The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has published a circular letter informing building control bodies about how to meet nearly zero energy buildings requirements for new buildings. The letter clarifies the implementation of the requirements for new buildings to meet regulation 25B of the Building Regulations 2010, SI 2010/2214, which sets out that all new buildings should be nearly zero energy buildings from 31 December 2020. 15th February 2021. Read more here
The Office for National Statistics (UK Government) published statistics on12th February 2021, showing that the construction output in Great Britain for October 2020–December 2020 has fallen by 2.9% in December 2020, despite months of consecutive growth. Read more here
The UK Government (BEIS) has published updated guidance for stakeholders on 12th February 2021. Subjects covered in this guidance include whether UKNI (United Kingdom / Northern Ireland) marking needs to be used, when to use UKNI marking and how to use UKNI marking. Read more here.
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has published its Future Trends survey for 2021 on 11th February 2021. The results showed that 25% of practices expected workload to decrease in the first three months of 2021 as a result of Brexit and the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 28% expected an increase and 51% expected workload to remain steady. Read more here
The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has welcomed the expansion of the Building Safety Fund, announced by Housing Secretary, Robert Jenrick on 10 February 2021. The CLC stated: ‘It is vital that buildings are safe and that their occupants feel safe.’ 15th February 2021. Read more here
A new engineering services alliance called 'Actuate UK' has been announced. The UK engineering services sector is launching a major new industry alliance of eight organisations on 10th February 2021. The new alliance aims 'to be an agent for positive change and support the delivery of a safer, more productive and sustainable UK built environment'. The key areas of focus for the alliance will be building safety, business recovery, industry skills and climate crisis and the Net Zero Target. Read more here.
The UK Government announced on 10th February 2021, that it intends to 'to bring an end to unsafe cladding with multi-billion pound intervention.' Amongst other things, the Government has announced it will pay for the removal of unsafe cladding for all leaseholders in high-rise buildings, providing reassurance and protecting them from costs. Read more here.
The UK Government announced on 10th February 2021, its new Consultation: "The Future of the New Homes Bonus consultation." This consultation seeks views on the future of the bonus, from 2022/23 onwards. It covers a number of options for reforming the programme to provide an incentive which is more focused and targeted on ambitious housing delivery.The Cosultation runs from 10th February to 7 April 2021. Read more here
The Scottish Government has announced on 9th February 2021 that it plans to invest £33bn over the course of the next five years in healthcare, education, transport and the environment. The Scottish Government has published an Infrastructure Investment Plan and Capital Spending Review, which state that the investment will support 45,000 jobs and the construction of healthcare facilities, schools and local facilities across Scotland. Read more here
The UK Government's Cabinet Office announced on 9th February 2021 that an independent review will be launched into construction frameworks as part of the Construction Playbook implementation. Read more here
The Construction Industry Council (CIC) launched an independent body on 9th February 2021 called 'The New Homes Quality Board (NHQB)', which will champion new home quality. Read more here
The UK Government announced its first phase of its national school rebuilding programme, on 5th February 2021. Thousands of pupils are set to benefit from new, modern, energy efficient school buildings as 50 schools are confirmed for the first wave. Read more here
The National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) has published a discussion paper on 5th February 2021, in which it states that infrastructure developers should consider the impact of infrastructure development on natural capital assets, and should target ‘environmental net gain’ by leaving the environment in a better condition than they found it. Read more here
IHS Markit released its latest UK construction market figures on 4th February 2021. IHS stated there was indication of a marginal decline in UK construction output from the January 2021 PMI data. Read more here (PDF)
On 30 January 2021 the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government launched a Consultation on draft revisions to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and a new draft National Model Design Code. The Consultation runs from 30th January until 27th March. Read more here. For details of UK Government's new building rules around 'beauty, quality and design', click here
The UK Government published a list of relevant horizontal test specifications on 28th January 2021, that are common across various product families which apply to construction products. The test standards will continue to be used by UK-approved bodies for assessments of construction products which are based on UK-designated standards. This list of horizontal specifications is subject to change based on ongoing review. Read more here
S SI 2021/47 The Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 (Modification of the Repairing Standard) Amendment Regulations 2021
These Regulations amend the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 (Modification of the Repairing Standard) Regulations 2019 by changing the date on which regulation 3(1)(b) comes into force from 1 February 2021 to 1 February 2022. Read more here
S SI 2021/46 The Housing (Scotland) Act 1987 (Tolerable Standard) (Extension of Criteria) Amendment Order 2021
This Order amends the date on which the requirement for the installation of fire and carbon monoxide detection and warning equipment is added to the tolerable standard for housing, changing it from 1 February 2021 to 1 February 2022. . Read more here
CIAT has announced on 28th January 2021 that it has been asked to hold a Consultation on the second version of BSI Flex 8670 and the result of BSi's Project Advisory Group. BSI's Flex Standards is part of a wider programme of work by the UK Government around competence in the built environment. Read more here
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) published the findings of its survey of the architects’ profession on proposed changes to the Architects Act on 25th January 2021. Read more here
The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has published proposals on 25th January 2021 for a new Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) in its second Construction Product Information report. The CLC has also released details of a Consultation that is to be held on 1 February 2021 about the new Code proposals. Read more here
The Construction Products Association (CPA) has launched a Consultation on 25th January 2021 which proposes a new Code for Construction Product Information, in order to gather views on the Code before it is launched later in 2021. Read more here
The Construction Products Association (CPA) announced on 21st January 2021, that its latest Construction Industry Scenarios ‘sees a “W”-shaped economic recession and recovery as its main assumption, with construction output expected to rise 14% in 2021 and 4.9% in 2022’. Read more here
AECOM Ireland its published its annual construction report on 21st January 2021, which says that the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has caused a slump of 30% in Northern Irish construction output. Read more here
The UK Government announce the Consultation on the Future Building Standard on 21st January 2021. This consultation is the second stage of a 2-part consultation on proposed changes to Part L (Conservation of fuel and power) and Part F (ventilation) of the Building Regulations. Read more here
CIBSE announces new its updated publication 'CP1: Heat networks: Code of Practice for the UK (2020)' on 20th January 2021. The guidance offers advice on the design, installation and performance monitoring of district heating systems. Read more here
The National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) has invited individuals to disclose evidence on Greenhouse Gas Removal technologies, designed to improve UK net zero strategy with an objection of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The request for evidence will close on 3 March 2021.Published on 20th January 2021. Read more here
The Construction Industry Council (CIC) has announced rigorous targets for the green building revolution. All homes and businesses will have to meet rigorous new energy efficiency standards to lower energy consumption and bills, helping to protect the environment. Read more here
The Council of European Construction Economists (CEEC ) has conducted its annual study of construction costs and find UK construction costs are among the most expensive in Europe when calculated in Euros. 19th January 2021. Read more here
The British Standards Institution (BSI) has launched a survey on its Standard' BS 700-4: 2013 Design Management Systems' on 19th January 2021. Participation in the survey is invited. Read more here
The UK Government has announced a new regulator on 19th January 2021 to ensure homes are built with construction materials that are safe. Read more here
The UK Government launched a Consultation on 19th January 2021 on its proposed changes to Part L (conservation of fuel and power) and Part F (ventilation) of the Building Regulations for non-domestic buildings and dwellings and overheating in new residential buildings. Read more here
The UK Government (MHCLG) has released its response and a summary of stakeholder responses to the Consultation on the Future Homes Standard on 19th January 2021. Read more here (PDF)
The UK Government (MHCLG) announced on 19th January 2021, that all homes and businesses will have to meet rigorous new energy efficiency standards to reduce energy consumption and bills. Read more here
The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has given its backing to a National Retrofit Strategy, which aims to make homes greener and more energy, and water, efficient, warmer and cheaper to run. 18th January 2021. Read more here
The UK Government (MHCLG) announced its Consultation into the reform of the Right to Contest, following a new Right to Regenerate proposal which allows the public to require councils and the public sector to sell unused land and assets so that they may convert derelict buildings and vacant plots of land into new homes or community spaces. Published 18th January 2021. Read more here
The UK BIM Alliance has launched a BIM survey calling on practitioners to participate. The survey will measure the 'understanding and adoption of information management using Building Information Modelling (BIM) across the UK built environment'. The survey will run from 15th January 2021 to 12 February 2021. Read more here
The British Standards Institution (BSI) has launched a Second consultation on a new standard called ‘Built environment – Overarching framework for building safety competence of individuals – Specification’ on 15th January 2021. The new standard seeks to raise the standards of competence across the built environment, reinforcing the progress of an overarching framework standard that applies to technical and non-technical roles. The Consultation runs from 15th January 2021 to 2nd February 2021. Read more here
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) launched a new Guide for Construction Quality on 14th January 2021. The guide focuses on quality management of construction projects, particularly during the site production and assembly stages. Read more here
The UK Government commented positively on the latest ONS construction statistics, released on 14th January 2021. The figures show that the number of new homes developers that have started to build has more than doubled, while the number of completed homes almost tripled, compared to the previous quarter. Read more here
The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) has updated its New Homes Policy Playbook and interactive policy map to further facilitate the construction of greener new-build homes. 13th January 2021. Read more here
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has published an analysis of the impact of Brexit on the UK construction industry. The report shows that, despite the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) not making any direct changes, it imposes ‘administrative burdens’ which will impact on the costs and smooth operation of the industry. Published 11th January 2021. Read more here
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has announced the launch of a ‘Certificate in Fire Safety for Construction’, on the 8th January 2021, which is due to begin on 17 February 2021. The course provides an overview of fire safety for beginners and follows the recommendations of the Hackitt Inquiry. Read more here
The Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA) has released guidance on speeding up flood recovery and property flood resilience on 8th January 2021. Read more here
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has launched a Consultation on 8th January 2021 on proposed guidance on the valuation of multi-storey, multi-occupancy buildings with cladding. RICS plans to create consistent Guidance targeted at valuers carrying out mortgage valuations on residential properties with cladding. Read more here
The NEC has launched a new NEC4 Facilities Management Contract (FMC) and NEC4 Facilities Management Subcontract specifically for ‘procuring facilities management services', on 8th January 2021. The Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM) has supported NEC with the production of the contracts in order to identify the best practice in the sector as well as to signify the way forward. Read more here
The Construction Industry Group (CIG) has released a statement on 7th January 2021, outlining the latest data, indicating that the UK construction business activity continues to expand since its recovery from coronavirus (COVID-19) began in June 2020. Read more here.
The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has published the seventh version of the ‘Site Operating Procedures’, reflecting the latest government guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19) in England. Read more here
The UK Government has updated its social sector guidance on 6th January 2021, relating to the remediation of non-ACM buildings Read more here.
The Scottish Government has published a statement on January 6th 2020, relating to its aim of a low carbon future and the related principles and outcomes that should be adopted in order to achieve this. It is focused on working at community level to achieve a transition to greener policies and practices. Read more here
Onward publishes its latest research report, 'Getting to zero' on 5th January 2021, which marks the launch of a major Government cross-party programme of research to understand the political and practical challenges to achieving net zero by 2050, and to develop policies to help people and places who may be disrupted in the transition. Read more here
W SI 2021/7 The Planning (Wales) Act 2015 (Commencement No. 7) Order 2021. Article 2 brings the following provisions of the 2015 Act into force on 7 January 2021, so far as they are not already in force. Read more here
The RICS BCIS Private Housing Construction Price Index (PHCPI) indicated housebuilders costs rose 0.4% in 3Q2020 and by 2.3% when compared to the same quarter a year earlier. 5th January 2021. Read more here
The UK Government announced £8m in government funding on 4th January 2021, for six projects across the UK that have won the Industrial Decarbonisation Challenge competition. The investment forms part of the government's move to establish the world’s first net-zero emissions industrial zone by 2040. Read more here
The second reading of the 'Net Zero Carbon Emissions (Audit) Bill 2019-21' (10th February, 2020), has been announced and will take place on 12th March 2021. This is a Bill that will make provision for an independent audit of the costs and benefits of meeting the requirement under the Climate Change Act 2008 for net United Kingdom carbon emissions to be zero by 2050. Read more here
The second reading of the 'New Homes (New Development Standards) Bill 2019-21' (30th June 2020), has been announced and will take place on 26th March 2021. This is a Bill that will require residential developers to meet minimum standards of provision for insulation, broadband connectivity and electric car charging points in new homes; and for connected purposes. Read more here
The UK Government has updated several of its guidance web pages supporting Brexit, as of 1st January 2021. Read further details on BSRIA's Brexit page
Field Fisher has published its commercial analysis of the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement, and what it means for supply chains on 29th December 2021. Read more here
The Mayor of London (UK) has called for a levy on major private property developers on 27th December 2020, to be introduced to raise £3bn to address inequality in building safety standards and to fund cladding replacement work across London. Read more here
European Union (Future Relationship) Act 2020. The official Act, formalising the trade agreement and future relationship between the EU and the UK was passed on December 31st, 2020. Read more here\
The UK Government announced an open Consultation: 'Green Paper: Transforming public procurement,' on 15th December 2020. The proposals in this Green Paper are intended to shape the future of public procurement in the UK, going forwards. The Consultation runs from 15th December 2020 to 11th March 2021. Read more here.
The UK Government launches the Construction Playbook on 8th December 2020, which sets out key policies and guidance for how public works projects and programmes are assessed, procured and delivered. Read more here.

What's new?

Regulations | View all >>

SI 2021/13 The Stamp Duty Land Tax (Administration) (Amendment) Regulations 2021. The Regulations amend Part 1 of Schedule 2 to the Stamp Duty Land Tax (Administration) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/2837) to provide a new SDLT 1 form in connection with land transactions for the purposes of stamp duty land tax. This was created on 6th January 2021 and due to come into force on Ist April 2021. Read more here
SI 2020/1265 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme Order 2020. Provisions have been made to establish a UK-wide greenhouse gas emissions trading scheme (ETS) to encourage cost-effective emissions reductions which will contribute to the UK’s emissions reduction targets and net zero goal. This was created on 11th November, 2020. Read more here

Legislation (Bill or Act) View all Bills>> | View all Acts>>

Act: European Union (Future Relationship) Act 2020.
The official Act, formalising the trade agreement and future relationship between the EU and the UK was passed on December 31st, 2020. This Act makes provision to implement the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement and associated agreements, and further provision in connection with the UK’s future relationship with the EU and its Member States, as well as related provision on specific matters concerning trade and security, including provisions on criminal records, passenger name record data, evidence and extradition, customs, tax, social security, and privileges and immunities, and for connected purposes. It comes into force partly on 30 December 2020, and comes into force fully on such day as a Minister of the Crown may by regulations appoint. Different days may be appointed for different purposes. Read more here\
Act: The Coronavirus Act
This came into law on 25th March 2020, enabling many provisions to allow business, including the building planning sector and related industries, to operate effectively. For example, use of photographic evidence instead of site visits and use virtual planning committees for building control decisions have been approved. Read more here

Consultations | View all >>

Consultation: The UK Government announce the Consultation on the Future Building Standard on 21st January 2021. This Consultation is the second stage of a 2-part consultation on proposed changes to Part L (Conservation of fuel and power) and Part F (ventilation) of the Building Regulations. It also sets out proposals for a Future Buildings Standard, which provides a pathway to highly efficient non-domestic buildings which are zero carbon ready. Read more here
Consultation: Green Gas Support Scheme (GGSS): digestate managementIn April 2020, the 'Future support for low carbon heat' Consultation set out proposals for a new Green Gas Support Scheme (GGSS) to increase the proportion of green gas in the grid, through support for biomethane injection by the process of anaerobic digestion (AD).In this consultation, 2 mitigations are proposed against ammonia emissions from digestate, a by-product of AD, for the GGSS scheme participants. The Consultation runs from 21st December 2020 to 15th January 2021. Read more here
Consultation: The Green Building Council
A Consultation on the guidance for procuring renewable energy and carbon offsets. As part of its development of a Net Zero Carbon Buildings Framework, UKGBC has drafted further guidance on renewable energy procurement and carbon offsetting for businesses in an effort to ensure that the framework is used consistently and aligns with best practice. The draft guidance looks mainly at renewable energy procurement for electricity, heating and domestic hot water, carbon offsetting and carbon accounting. The Consultation ran between 27th October - 17 November 2020. Read more here

Guidance | View all>>

The Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA) has released guidance on speeding up flood recovery and property flood resilience on 8th January 2021. Property flood resilience (PFR) is an important part of the response to flood risk. PFR includes measures that reduce the risks to people and property enabling households and businesses to reduce flood damage, speed up recovery and reoccupation. PFR measures should reduce the amount of water entering buildings (known as resistance measures), or limit the damage caused if water does enter a building (known as recoverability measures). Read more here
The NEC has launched a new NEC4 Facilities Management Contract (FMC) and NEC4 Facilities Management Subcontract specifically for ‘procuring facilities management services', on 8th January 2021. The Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM) has supported NEC with the production of the contracts in order to identify the best practice in the sector as well as to signify the way forward. Read more here
Onward publishes its latest research report, 'Getting to zero' on 5th January 2021, which marks the launch of a major Government cross-party programme of research to understand the political and practical challenges to achieving net zero by 2050, and to develop policies to help people and places who may be disrupted in the transition. Read more here
The World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) has released a new report entitled ‘Bringing Embodied Carbon Upfront: Coordinated action for the building and construction sector to tackle embodied carbon’, which sets out how cross-sector collaboration can help the construction sector reach its net-zero goal and how to mitigate embodied carbon emissions. The report is part of WorldGBC’s Advancing Net Zero strategy and is produced in partnership with European Climate Foundation, Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, C40 Cities and Ramboll. Read more here

Policy and strategy | View all>>

The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government has issued further guidance for Building Control Bodies in relation to operation during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The Guidance was [published on 21st April 2020 and covers new/temporary healthcare buildings and related facilities, as well as general guidance for operating during the current period. The changes are designed to enable essential building work to be carried out quickly, ‘without undue administrative burden’, while maintaining essential health and safety requirements. Read more here