Background
The Government's Single Construction Regulator prospectus consultation sought views on how a future regulator could improve safety, competence, accountability and consumer confidence across the built environment. The proposals explored the regulator's role in coordinating oversight across construction, improving regulatory consistency, supporting residents and strengthening competence throughout the sector.
The FMB's response focuses on the experience of SME and domestic building firms, which make up the majority of the industry but often sit outside many of the professional and regulatory frameworks that apply elsewhere in construction.
Executive summary
- The FMB supports the creation of a stronger and more integrated regulatory system that improves safety, competence and public trust across the built environment.
- The current competence landscape is fragmented, particularly for domestic building companies, which often lack clear minimum competence requirements, ongoing professional development and effective regulatory oversight.
- Future reforms must include SME and domestic builders, rather than focusing primarily on larger contractors and supply chains.
- The FMB calls for the introduction of a proportionate licensing framework for domestic building companies to establish minimum standards of competence, professionalism and accountability.
- Consumers need a clearer and more transparent system for identifying competent builders and seeking redress when standards are not met.
- The regulator should work closely with trade associations and industry bodies to support continuous professional development, culture change and the consistent application of standards across the sector.
- Reform should prioritise practical outcomes, focusing on competence, accountability and consumer protection rather than adding unnecessary complexity for responsible businesses.
