The Building Safety (Wales) Bill has been formally passed by the Senedd, signalling a comprehensive new building safety regime for shared residential buildings in Wales
Described as a “huge step forward” for fire safety in Wales, the Building Safety (Wales) Bill was passed by the Senedd on Tuesday 10 March. One of the largest pieces of legislation ever considered by the Welsh Parliament, the new bill will apply to residents of shared buildings across Wales, regardless of building height or tenure, and is broader in both scope and ambition than the equivalent legislation in England.
In line with the findings of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, the bill is underpinned by three core objectives: safety, accountability, and resident voice. Under the new legislation, fire risk assessments can only be carried out by competent persons, with criminal penalties for non-compliance.
The legislation also establishes clear legal responsibilities for those who manage buildings and empowers residents with “clear routes of redress and a stronger say in matters affecting their homes”.
As previously reported by the FPA, the bill was initially announced in 2024 and promised to introduce tighter regulations for higher-risk buildings in Wales. The legislation was subsequently presented to the Senedd in July 2025.
Commenting on the significance of the legislation, Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant, said: "Today marks a landmark moment for building safety in Wales. This legislation delivers a new building safety regime for residents across Wales, regardless of building type, height, or tenure – going further than anything that exists elsewhere in the UK.
"None of this would have been possible without the support and expertise of so many partners. I want to pay particular tribute to the three Welsh Fire and Rescue Services and the many residents and leaseholders who shared their lived experience with us – their voices have shaped this legislation and will continue to matter as we implement it.
"By passing this Bill today, we have taken a huge step forward in ensuring that the people of Wales are safe in their homes."
Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Report: Progress Report
The Welsh government also published a progress report on its ongoing work to implement the recommendations of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report, citing its continued engagement with other UK governments.
The report stated that the government was reviewing the UK’s proposals for a single construction regulator and would consider over the next 12 months whether to appoint its own Chief Construction Advisor, similar to Scotland. A review of the role of the Building Regulations Advisory Committee for Wales (BRACW) was also being undertaken to ensure it aligned with future legislation and that it continued to “safeguard Welsh interests”.
The government said that central to its reforms was the Building Safety (Wales) Bill, which would establish a “robust regulatory framework to address some of the systemic failings identified by the Inquiry”.
“The safety and well-being of people in their homes will always be our priority,” the government said.
You can access the progress report here.