How Does Wales’ Proposed Building Safety Bill Differ from England’s Building Safety Act?

On July 7th 2025, the Senedd formally announced the Building Safety Bill for Wales, setting the stage for a devolved approach to building safety that differs in several ways from England’s Building Safety Act 2022. While both share core principles such as the introduction of duty holders, golden thread requirements, and stricter oversight of higher risk buildings (HRBs), they diverge in how these principles are applied and enforced. 

A Local Authority Led System in Wales  

The most notable distinction lies in governance. England’s model introduced a centralised Building Safety Regulator (BSR), housed within the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), to oversee the design, construction, and occupation of HRBs. In contrast, Wales has opted for local authority led regulation. Rather than a national body, responsibility will fall to local councils or other designated authorities, allowing for more place-based oversight that may better reflect local needs but also raises questions about consistency and capacity. 

Broader Scope for Building Types 

The definition of a “higher risk building” is also broader in Wales. While both nations define HRBs as buildings over 18 metres or seven storeys, England restricts this to those with two or more residential units. Wales lowers the threshold to just one residential unit, and includes hospitals, care homes, and children’s homes regardless of height within its scope. This broader remit suggests a more precautionary approach, aimed at safeguarding vulnerable occupants beyond just those in high rise housing. 

Resident Protections and Occupation Oversight 

Perhaps the most significant shift in Wales is the inclusion of all multi occupied residential buildings with two or more units regardless of height within the new occupation regime. This is far more extensive than in England, where occupation duties apply only to HRBs. Wales' framework introduces stronger resident engagement rights, clearer complaint mechanisms, and broader fire safety duties, especially in Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). These provisions suggest a drive for greater accountability and inclusivity in how building safety is managed day to day. 

Professional Oversight and Gateway Process 

Both frameworks maintain the concept of “gateways” for approvals at key stages of a building’s lifecycle, and both introduce regulated duty holders with ongoing responsibilities. However, England’s BSR enforces strict stop go measures at each gateway, while Wales maintains similar processes through local building control. Professional registration is also moving in similar directions, with both nations creating frameworks for regulated Building Inspectors and Building Control Approvers. 

Why the Differences? 

These differences likely reflect devolution priorities and varying regional challenges. Wales’ localised inclusive model prioritises flexibility, resident voice, and broader building types, arguably in recognition of Wales' diverse housing stock and emphasis on social care integration. England’s centralised system, meanwhile, offers consistency and direct oversight through a national regulator. Both aim to deliver a safer built environment, but the routes they take to get there differ in key ways. 

What Happens Next? 

The Building Safety (Wales) Bill was formally introduced to the Senedd on 7th July 2025, marking the beginning of its legislative journey. It is currently in Stage 1, during which the Local Government and Housing Committee will examine the general principles of the Bill and gather evidence from stakeholders. The Committee is expected to report back by 29 November 2025. If the Bill progresses as scheduled, it could be passed and become Welsh law in early 2026. 

Ventro work across the UK and support clients in navigating the constantly evolving building safety landscape. Whether you operate in England or Wales, understanding your duties is critical to ensuring compliance and protecting your properties and residents.