Now, with the latest annual report in hand, we have a fuller picture of how far things have come, and how far there is still to go.
The Inquiry’s final report from September 2024 set out 58 recommendations in total. Of these, 37 were directed at the Government, and 21 at other organisations.
For those of us working in fire safety daily, these were not just policy proposals - they were a blueprint for a safer built environment. As of 25th February 2026, 12 recommendations have now been fully implemented, and more than 40 (around 70%) are on track to be completed by year end, however others will still require at least four years before implementation because new legislation is required. Let’s not forget that the Metropolitan Police’s investigation is still ongoing, and no party has yet been prosecuted.
Yet, the report’s message was firm and reassuring, “Work is underway on all recommendations, and we remain on track to complete them within that timeframe.” However, having attended a conference only a few weeks ago, I found it somewhat deflating to hear the interim Chief Executive for the Building Safety Regulator tell us to, “be patient, change is coming”, when questioned on the failings and difficulties felt when it came to the practicalities and communications with the BSR. With the 9th anniversary of the Grenfell tragedy looming this summer, I’d argue, haven’t we been patient enough?
From a fire risk assessor’s view, we are constantly balancing risk, compliance, resident confidence, and real‑world constraints. So, when Steve Reed, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, spoke about oversight, clearer guidance, higher professional standards, and better emergency readiness, it resonated strongly. These aren’t abstract concepts – they are the things we need to do our jobs effectively.
Reed highlighted progress but was honest about the challenges ahead, “Some reforms require legislation; others require sustained cultural change. We are committed to delivering both.” And importantly, he reinforced the underlying mission, “It is our responsibility to ensure that people are safe, and feel safe, in their homes, and that the failures that have undermined that safety in the past can never happen again. Our dedication to that task will not falter.” As someone who regularly walks buildings, speaks to residents, and reviews the same systems the Inquiry criticised, that commitment matters.
Following a 2025 green paper, the Construction Products Reform white paper was published, stating clearly that, “all products must be properly assessed before being used in the building process.” The consultation on this is running until 20th May 2026. There’s also a consultation on a general safety requirement (GSR) for currently unregulated products – seeking industry views that should bring much‑needed clarity once secondary legislation arrives later this year.
Alongside technical reforms, and in a hugely symbolic and emotional move, the Government also introduced the Grenfell Tower Memorial (Expenditure) Bill, which will legally authorise funding for a permanent memorial to honour the 72 victims of that tragic night. For those of us whose work exists because of what went wrong that night, this is poignant.
Samantha Dixon, Minister for Building Safety, Fire, and Democracy, expressed strongly, “We will never forget the tragedy of Grenfell and will continue working with the local community, industry, and local authorities to deliver safer homes and lasting change.” And she added, “The failings outlined by the Inquiry exposed fundamental issues in product, building, and fire safety standards, and through the Construction Products white paper and our work to implement all the recommendations of the inquiry, we will create a better system for millions of people across the country.”
For those of us on the ground - assessing risks, interpreting guidance, and challenging unsafe practices - these reforms are welcome, but the practical realities we face every day show just how far the system still is from being workable in practice.