Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 and Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 commencement regulations: implications for UK health and safety compliance in major projects

Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 and Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 commencement regulations: a clear UK health and safety law update with practical implications for business and regulatory compliance

What has changed

These Regulations bring into force provisions in the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 and the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025, including Commencement No. 9 and the provisions that start under Commencement No. 1 with transitional arrangements. The measures establish when specific planning, infrastructure and related governance duties become active, and how ongoing schemes transition between phases.

Why it matters

For organisations delivering major infrastructure or development projects, the changes create clearer regulatory expectations within UK health and safety law and HSE requirements by defining the timings for new oversight and compliance. The transition provisions can affect project schedules, liaison with planning authorities and the management of contractor commitments.

What organisations should do next

Industry stakeholders should act to map the new commencement framework to active projects, update internal governance and risk controls, and ensure workers and contractors understand any updated duties. The following steps help demonstrate ongoing compliance:

• Identify which provisions are now in force for each active project and align project plans accordingly
• Update health and safety risk assessments and control measures where new duties apply
• Revise planning and contractor management procedures to reflect transitional arrangements
• Review roles and responsibilities to ensure competent oversight and timely reporting
• Provide targeted training and engage competent adviser support if needed

For practical guidance on systematic risk control and compliant management systems you can consider ISO 45001 occupational health and safety management and health and safety risk assessments.

Synergos can also help with Competent Person support and health and safety support packages or health and safety training.

Aligning management systems with ISO 45001 can strengthen governance and demonstrate compliance as provisions come into force in complex schemes; see ISO 45001.

Enforcement and next steps

As with other regulatory duties, enforcement will be carried out by the relevant authorities under the established powers as the provisions are brought into force. Organisations should maintain evidence of oversight, decisions and training to support compliance demonstrations.

Wrap-up: The commencement regulations provide clearer timelines for health and safety and planning duties in major projects, enabling organisations to plan, implement robust controls and demonstrate continuous regulatory compliance.