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BSR ‘falling short’ on remediation decision times
Nadine Buddoo CM People Editor
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The Building Safety Regulator’s (BSR) latest performance data reveals that while overall Gateway 2 activity is progressing, remediation decision times are failing to meet expected targets.
According to the update, 86 remediation decisions have been made since December 2025 – including 41 in London – and 77 new cases have been received.
Currently, 279 live cases are being processed, representing 24,282 units.
While progress continues in other areas, the update makes clear that a high percentage of complex, older remediation cases are “taking longer to make decisions on”.
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To address this challenge, the BSR has confirmed that a remediation improvement plan is being introduced.
The targeted package of measures will focus on three areas: strengthening BSR resource capacity; improving internal processes; and supporting industry to submit higher-quality applications.
The plan is expected to be implemented in the coming weeks, alongside updated feedback and support for applicants.
Steady progress
Over the past 12 weeks, 108 new build Gateway 2 decisions have been made, with 82 new applications received.
Overall, closed applications continue to exceed previous rates with 639 made, including 273 invalidations. The number of live applications across all categories is 1,212.
BSR also confirmed that legacy cases have reduced to three, with 18 long-term cases with significant technical challenges now transferred to a complex case category. Approval rates of legacy cases are currently 53%.
The regulator’s Innovation Unit, introduced last year to help drive efficiencies, has made 27 decisions in the past 12 weeks. The unit is currently managing 123 new-build applications.
Safety over speed
Commenting on the data, Charlie Pugsley, BSR’s acting CEO, highlighted the improvements in the number of decisions being made for new-build applications.
“We also continue to engage even more closely with applicants to help improve the quality of those applications, and that continues to see tangible results that will make a real difference,” he said. “However, we recognise that current determination times are falling short of our targets for remediation.”
Pugsley added that the remediation improvement plan’s targeted measures will help to “reset the system”.
“But speed can never come at the cost of safety, whether that be for new-build or existing homes,” he said. “Our goal continues to be to ensure that industry can construct safe buildings, and that residents can see the essential safety improvements they deserve without unnecessary delays.”
