The UK Government has launched a critical consultation on the Construction Products Reform Green Paper, outlining ambitious proposals to transform the regulatory framework for construction products.
The consultation opened on 26 February and closes on 21 May and seeks input from industry stakeholders to shape the future of construction product safety, accountability and innovation.
The Green Paper is a direct response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy and subsequent independent reviews by Dame Judith Hackitt and Paul Morrell with Anneliese Day. These investigations exposed severe failings in the construction products regulatory system. Despite earlier reforms, gaps remain that could allow unsafe materials to enter the market, posing risks to public safety.
The government’s proposals aim to strengthen product testing and certification processes, expand regulatory coverage to include all construction products, enhance enforcement powers for regulators, align UK regulations with updated European Union requirements while addressing domestic needs. The proposals also aim to support economic growth and infrastructure delivery, including the construction of 1.5m homes during this parliamentary term.
The Green Paper suggests measures such as all manufacturers being required to assess product safety risks before marketing their materials. Products falling under designated standards must meet stricter safety requirements, with civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance. Regulators would also receive additional powers and resources to enforce these measures effectively.
Members should review the Green Paper in full before submitting their responses via email to constructionProducts@communities.gov.uk or mailed to the Ministry of Housing before 21 May.