The Building Safety Act, explained against the source
Most guidance on this subject tells you what the Act says. This site explains what the regulator is doing with it and cites the section behind every claim. We want to help you find the government material and explain it in plain terms.
66%
of building assessment certificate applications were refused this year
The regulator’s stated reason is that submissions addressed process compliance rather than effective safety management.
Building Safety Regulator, 9 July 2026
What changed in 2026
Three developments that most published guidance has not caught up with.
27 Jan 2026
The regulator left the HSEThe regulator has moved from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). The Building Safety Regulator is now a standalone body sponsored by MHCLG. It is no longer a directorate of the HSE.
1 Oct 2026
The Building Safety Levy is in forceIt applies to building control applications made on or after 1 October 2026. Applications made before it are out of scope. The submission date is the whole test.
Not commenced
Wales has its own ActA broader regime with no height threshold and three building categories. HMOs are in scope and councils act as the regulator. Almost none of it is in force yet.
The reference
Every statement of law cites its section, statutory instrument or guidance page, with the date that source was last updated.
OccupiedSafety case reportsWhat must be in one and who prepares it. The difference between the safety case and the report about it.
OccupiedWhy certificates are refusedTwo thirds of applications failed this year. What they had in common and a test you can apply to your own report.
OccupiedCost and timescalesThe statutory fees are published. Consultancy fees are not. What we know about both and what drives the number.
OccupiedResident engagement strategyWhich building safety decisions residents must be consulted on and what the strategy must contain. When it has to be reviewed.
OccupiedMandatory occurrence reportingWhat counts as a reportable safety occurrence and the ten calendar day deadline. Who has to operate the system.
OccupiedThe golden threadAn information standard for your building records, with a competence requirement attached.
OccupiedCompetency and cultureAttendance records are not competence evidence. What a defensible competence position looks like.
ConstructionGateway 2 and Gateway 3Building control approval and completion certificates for new higher-risk buildings. Why applications get rejected.
ConstructionThe Building Safety LevyWho pays, how it is calculated and when it falls due. Why the completion certificate is the enforcement lever.
WalesBuilding Safety (Wales) Act 2026Regulated buildings, three categories and HMOs. The four ways Welsh safety case duties differ from England.
ReferenceGlossaryTwenty-six defined terms, each with the section or instrument that defines it.
Find out where your safety case report has gaps
The checklist asks eleven questions on scope, duty holder, evidence and management. It runs in your browser and collects nothing. It is built to find the gap rather than to reassure you.
Start the assessment