The BSR’s 2026-27 Strategic Plan and What it Means for Higher-Risk Buildings

The Building Safety Regulator’s (BSR) 2026-27 Strategic Plan signalled a shift from establishing the post-Grenfell regulatory framework to improving how it operates in practice. Recent announcements suggest that transition is already underway, with the BSR moving towards a more intelligence-led and risk-based approach to assessing higher-risk buildings (HRBs).

While this may reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens for some dutyholders, it should not be mistaken for a relaxation of standards. Developers, Principal Accountable Persons (PAPs) and building owners and those designing, constructing, certifying, funding, insuring or remediating HRBs should expect increasing regulatory focus on evidence, competence and effective risk management regarding building safety.

From establishment to optimisation

When the BSR published its Strategic Plan in March one of its recurring themes was improving operational effectiveness.[1] Having spent its first years implementing the Building Safety Act regime, the regulator is now focused on improving decision making and preparing for the next phase of regulation. The plan also represents an important milestone as the BSR establishes itself as a standalone Non-Departmental Public Body and lays the foundations for its longer-term strategy.

The clearest indication of how this strategy is likely to develop came on 9 July 2026, with the BSR announcing a more proportionate and targeted approach to the Building Assessment Certificate (BAC) regime for occupied HRBs.[2] Drawing on lessons learned since the BAC regime commenced in April 2024, the regulator indicated that it intends to become more intelligence-led in how it allocates its resources and prioritises its interventions.

This move is significant because it reflects a regulator that is becoming increasingly confident in using data and experience to shape its activities, rather than relying solely on process-driven oversight.

A more mature approach to regulation

After two years of operating the BAC regime, the BSR has amassed a substantial body of information about England’s HRB stock. Nearly 2,000 HRBs have been called into the assessment process, with the regulator initially focusing on buildings presenting the highest apparent risks based on factors such as height, occupancy and construction characteristics.

The latest announcement suggests that the BSR now intends to build on that experience. It plans to prioritise buildings already undergoing assessment, call in new applications only where necessary and explore more streamlined reassessment routes in appropriate cases. The regulator has also indicated that it will continue working with government on potential longer-term reforms to the regime.

In many respects, this mirrors the approach adopted by established regulators such as the Health and Safety Executive: regulatory scrutiny is concentrated where evidence indicates the greatest risk, rather than applied uniformly across every dutyholder.

What does this mean for HRB projects?

For developers and the supply chain, the shift towards risk-based regulation is likely to be welcomed. A more targeted approach may help the BSR focus resources on complex or higher-risk cases, improving predictability for well-managed projects. The Strategic Plan itself places considerable emphasis on improving operational performance and streamlining regulatory processes.

However, the industry should be wary of viewing this as deregulation by another name. The BSR has made clear that the statutory duties imposed, including under the Building Safety Act, remain unchanged. Those responsible for HRBs must continue to identify and mitigate fire and structural safety risks regardless of how the regulator chooses to prioritise assessments.

A more risk-based regulator may also become a more demanding one. Where concerns are identified, interventions are likely to be more focused and intensive. As regulatory decisions become increasingly evidence-led, organisations may need to demonstrate not only that required processes were followed, but that they were effective in identifying, managing and evidencing building safety risks.

Looking ahead

The BSR’s July announcement provides a clear indication of the direction of travel. The challenge is no longer establishing a new regime but ensuring it operates effectively and proportionately while maintaining resident safety.

The BSR’s 2026-27 Strategic Plan suggests that the regulator recognises this challenge. Its move towards a more intelligence-led and targeted approach demonstrates a willingness to refine its methods while remaining firmly focused on risk.

For those involved in HRB projects, the message is straightforward: the future is not less regulation, but smarter regulation. The focus is increasingly on demonstrating compliance including through effective management of gateway approvals, golden thread information, safety case documentation and design responsibility.  Those who have been working through the gateways will be hoping that this change in approach will lead to more efficient and clearer decision-making process.

Organisations that can demonstrate strong governance, effective record keeping and proactive approach to compliance are likely to be best placed to navigate an increasingly data-driven regulatory environment. Maintaining clear records of design decisions, competence, safety assessments and gateway submissions may become increasingly important where regulatory scrutiny arises. Those unable to do so should expect the BSR’s attention to remain firmly fixed on them.

If you have any questions regarding the points covered in this update, or how this impacts your current or future projects, please contact Michael O’Brien and Ben Boulter.

Includes contributions from Kayleigh Rhodes

[1] Building Safety Regulator strategic plan 2026 to 2027 – GOV.UK, March 2026

[2] BSR to introduce more proportionate and targeted approach for higher-risk building assessments – GOV.UK, July 2026