Why interiors and fit‑out specialists need to engage now
The government’s 2026 consultation on Approved Document B (Fire Safety Guidance to support compliance with the Building Regulations) proposes a wide‑ranging set of changes that will directly affect interior systems, partitions, ceilings, fire‑stopping, service coordination and refurbishment work.
While much of the language is technical, the real‑world consequences for FIS members are significant – particularly around responsibility, product selection and buildability.
We’ve carried out a forensic review of the proposals, and we’re now seeking member feedback to shape the FIS response.
We’ve carried out a forensic review of the proposals, and we’re now seeking member feedback to shape the FIS response.
Key headlines for the finishes and interiors sector:
- Greater scope in existing buildings
- Minor refurbishment works could now trigger wider fire safety upgrades.
- New expectations for realistic vertical evacuation of disabled people will affect stair cores, lift lobbies, partitions and interface tolerances.
- Revised definitions mean some internal walls may now be considered loadbearing during fire, raising questions about specification, testing and liability.
- Tighter controls on combustible elements and more emphasis on smoke
- More emphasis on consistency of performance within systems
- New limits on exposed structural elements, and knock‑on implications for linings and encapsulation, will directly affect interior detailing.
- Revised and updated guidance on external wall systems and balconies and review the scope of the ban on combustible materials in, and on, external walls and specified attachments
- Cavity and fire‑stopping rules rewritten
- The move to performance‑based cavity barriers and higher fire‑stopping standards increases reliance on correct specification, coordination and installation
- Expanded fire safety information requirements (including service life and O&M data as well as tighter definitions of high‑risk areas) have implications for handover, records and long‑term accountability
FIS is developing a clear, evidence based response, but it must reflect the real experience of members delivering work on site. At this stage we are asking members to review the schedule of change. This will be discussed specifically at relevant upcoming FIS Working Groups, but we will be arranging online events closer to the deadline 1st July so that we can debate any issues raised.
Please send you questions, comments, concerns or highlights to jamesparlour@thefis.org.
We are specifically looking for areas where:
- Where the proposals appear unclear, unrealistic or disproportionate
- There are obvious omissions or failure to absorb new and better thinking or eliminate existing uncertainty
- Where buildability, coordination or sequencing will be impacted
- Any unintended consequences you foresee for interiors and fit out work
To help navigate changes, FIS has produced a detailed change register for Parts 1 (Dwellings) and 2 (Buildings Other than Dwellings) separately below.
Please do review, your insight will directly influence the FIS submission and ongoing engagement with regulators.