June 16, 2026
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The Building Safety Act has moved beyond its initial transition period, but the regime continues to evolve. Several important dates are coming up from 2026 onwards, including further implementation in Wales, changes to Approved Document B, and the introduction of the Building Safety Levy in England.
1 July 2026: further implementation in Wales
From 1 July 2026, further Building Safety Act provisions come into force in Wales. These changes form part of the move towards a modernised building safety regime in Wales, affecting how building work is designed, approved and carried out. This is a key date for clients, developers, contractors and project teams working on Welsh projects. Projects in Wales should be reviewed early to understand whether the changes affect approvals, compliance responsibilities, programme planning or project risk.
30 September 2026: Approved Document B fire safety changes
Changes to Approved Document B come into effect in England on 30 September 2026. Approved Document B provides guidance on fire safety requirements under the Building Regulations. The upcoming changes include important updates for relevant residential buildings, including guidance around second staircases in residential buildings of 18 metres or more.
The second staircase requirement is significant because it affects the design, layout and viability of taller residential buildings. It is not just a technical design point. It may influence early feasibility, planning strategy, fire safety design, layouts, floorplates and cost planning. Clients, developers and design teams should review affected schemes early, particularly where projects are close to regulatory or approval milestones.
1 October 2026: Building Safety Levy starts in England
The Building Safety Levy is due to come into effect in England on 1 October 2026.
The Levy is a charge on relevant new residential development and is intended to contribute towards the cost of fixing building safety defects across England. It will be collected by local authorities and should be considered early by developers as part of project budgeting, viability and cashflow planning. Current guidance indicates that the Levy will apply to building control applications submitted on or after 1 October 2026. Applications submitted before this date should not be subject to the Levy, provided they are not rejected and resubmitted after the Levy comes into force.
Where the Levy applies, payment will need to be made before final certification is granted. For higher-risk buildings, this means before Gateway 3 sign-off. Further detail on exemptions, payment timing and project implications can be covered in a separate Building Safety Levy article.
31 March 2027: BSR strategic plan period ends
The Building Safety Regulator’s current strategic plan period runs to 31 March 2027.
While this is not a project deadline in the same way as the Building Safety Levy or Approved Document B changes, it is useful context for clients and project teams. It shows the regulator’s priorities during this phase of the regime and reinforces the need for ongoing compliance, rather than one-off deadline management.
2 September 2029: further Approved Document B amendments
Further amendments to Approved Document B are due to take effect in England on 2 September 2029. This focuses on removing BS 476, which determines the appropriate fire tests for elements of structure and materials, from Approved Document B. Instead, it will be replaced by the European Standard (BS EN), which is deemed more current and robust than the present National Classes. BS EN will then be the sole route for specification within Approved Document B for fire resistance classifications.
Although this date is further ahead, it is still relevant for long-term development planning, particularly for larger or phased schemes. Project teams should keep fire safety guidance under review and allow for future regulatory changes where programmes extend over several years.
What this means in practice
For projects in Wales, the 1 July 2026 implementation date should be reviewed now so that dutyholders and project teams understand what is changing and how it could affect approvals, compliance and delivery.
For projects in England, the Approved Document B changes need to be considered early in the design process. The second staircase requirement for relevant 18 metre-plus residential buildings may affect design strategy, cost planning and programme decisions.
The Building Safety Levy also needs to be factored into development planning before 1 October 2026. Developers should understand whether their schemes are likely to be affected and how this could influence viability.
How Safer Sphere can support
With further changes coming from 2026 onwards, early advice can help reduce uncertainty, manage risk and support smoother project delivery.
If you need support understanding how the Building Safety Act regime affects your project, contact Safer Sphere.
If you have any queries or require our services, contact us at info@safersphere.co.uk.