Who needs a safety case report
Under the Building Safety Act 2022, the principal accountable person for an occupied higher-risk building – at least 18m or 7 storeys with two or more residential units – must assess the building safety risks, take reasonable steps to manage them, and prepare a safety case report that explains how they've done so. The building safety risks are the spread of fire and structural failure.
The Building Safety Regulator can direct the principal accountable person to apply for a building assessment certificate (BAC), and the safety case report sits at the heart of that application.
Why so many applications are refused
The regulator reported in July 2026 that around two-thirds of the applications it had decided that year were refused – often because they focused on process compliance rather than showing effective management of building safety risks. In response, the BSR announced a more targeted, risk-based approach, with more time for resident-managed buildings. It was also clear that principal accountable persons should not wait for an assessment before preparing their safety case report.
How we help
- Gap analysis – reviewing the information you hold against what's needed to understand the building's fire and structural risks
- Risk identification and assessment – a structured hazard identification and assessment of the major fire and structural risks, building on the fire strategy, FRA and FRAEW
- Evidence review – checking that the reports you rely on are current, competent and consistent with each other
- Safety case report preparation – a clear, building-specific narrative linking each risk to the measures in place and how they're maintained
- BAC application support – organising the evidence and responding to regulator queries
Common gaps we see
- No fire strategy, or one that doesn't match the building as it is today – see retrospective fire strategies
- FRAs and FRAEWs that contradict each other on the evacuation strategy or external walls
- Little evidence about compartmentation, fire doors or smoke control maintenance
- Structural information missing for older or system-built blocks
- Reports that describe policies but don't show they're working in practice
What's included
- Review of existing documents and evidence
- Hazard identification for fire and structure
- Risk assessment of major building safety risks
- Gap analysis against regulator expectations
- Safety case report drafting
- Links to fire strategy, FRA and FRAEW
- Prioritised action plan for gaps
- Support with BAC applications and queries
Safety case report fees
Fees depend on the number and complexity of buildings, the quality of existing information and whether supporting reports – such as a retrospective fire strategy or structural review – are also needed. Portfolio work is priced across all buildings. We'll set out a fixed fee after an initial review of what you hold.
Where we work
We support accountable persons with higher-risk buildings in London, Berkshire and across England.
Guides on this topic
- Why safety case reports get refused – and how to get your BAC approved
- Do I need a retrospective fire strategy?
- Is my building a higher-risk building?
- Responsible person vs accountable person: who's legally responsible for fire safety?
- The golden thread: what information accountable persons must keep
- PBSA fire safety: higher-risk building duties, safety cases and fire strategies for student accommodation
Related services
- Building Safety Act Consultancy – gap analysis, golden thread and Gateway support
- Retrospective Fire Strategies – for existing buildings with a missing or outdated strategy
- FRAEW Assessments (PAS 9980) – external wall fire risk appraisals to PAS 9980:2026