Construction Products Reform Green Paper

Following the publication of the Government’s response to the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report, the fire at Grenfell Tower on 14 June 2017 that took 72 lives was a national tragedy. It was also a personal tragedy for those bereaved, the survivors who lost their homes, and the immediate community.  

A public Inquiry was launched in response to the tragedy and its final report was published on 4 September 2024. The report illustrated the need for profound change in culture and behaviour from those who develop, procure, design, build and manage buildings across the built environment, as well as the government, its bodies and wider institutions.  

The report makes clear that the government is addressing all of the Inquiry’s findings and will take action on all 58 recommendations to build a more robust and trusted regulatory system to deliver safe, quality homes for everyone. You can read the full report here. The Construction Products Reform Green Paper forms the next output from the report. The green paper reaffirms government’s commitment for system-wide reform of the construction products regime and outlines detailed proposals to address critical gaps in how construction products are regulated, and to transform the culture and practice around construction product safety. 

The Grenfell tragedy and subsequent independent reviews by Dame Judith Hackitt in 2018, and Paul Morrell OBE with Anneliese Day KC in 2023 (updated in February 2025 which can be viewed here) revealed a clear need for system-wide reform of the construction product regulatory regime, to give residents and communities the confidence that their homes will be safe and built from products they can trust.  The green paper is a direct response to the Independent Review of Construction Product Testing Regime and supports the government response to the Grenfell Inquiry, with further detail on how the Inquiry recommendations on product testing, the provision of test data and the Construction Library can be taken forward. It sets out comprehensive proposals, including measures relating to the accessibility of test information and information requirements to support safe products and safe installation; system changes to bring products into the regulatory regime; measures to overhaul assurance of the testing regime; and strengthened enforcement. 

Consultation 

The publication of the green paper is the start of a formal consultation. It is based on 58 questions and appeals to a wide range of stakeholders, including manufacturers, trade associations, specifiers, designers, residents – all of those with a stake in the future regime. The consultation closes on 21 May – further information about how to respond can be found here.  The BPF have represented members in both the initial Marketing Integrity Group and in Government consultations to ensure members are represented in the process.  The BPF are currently working on a consultation response and will be reaching out to members over the coming weeks to seek their views.  More information will follow along with updates on webinars or resources which are relevant.

Author: Nicki Hunt-Davison, Industrial Issues Executive