Open Consultations
The BWF and our members are regularly consulted by Government and other bodies on policies, standards, legislation and regulations affecting the woodworking and joinery industry.
Below is a list of open consultations that we believe will have an impact on our members and our industry as a whole.
| Organisation | Heading | Description | Closing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Ireland DfC | Consultation on a Revised Decent Homes Standard by the Department for Communities | The Department has drafted proposals for the revised Decent Homes Standard, which is the standard that all social housing is required to meet. This document sets out the proposals for consideration, ensuring tenants live in a safe, warm and affordable home. The Department welcomes comment on any aspects of this document. Interested parties are encouraged to make responses or contact the Department with any queries. Responses on the consultation are due by Wednesday 4 March 2026, which will be used to implement and publish the revised Decent Homes Standard in 2026. Go to consultation here |
4 March 2026 |
| England – MHCLG | Design and Placemaking Planning Practice Guidance |
Design and Placemaking Planning Practice Guidance illustrates how well designed places that are healthy, resilient, green, beautiful, enduring and successful can be achieved in practice. It forms a key part of the government’s collection of planning practice guidance. This guidance offers practical advice on creating high quality places and buildings. Its aim is to outline and illustrate government’s design priorities and it provides advice on the following in three parts:
• Part 1 – seven features of well-designed places Go to consultation here |
10 March 2026 |
| England – MHCLG | National Planning Policy Framework: proposed reforms and other changes to the planning system |
This consultation seeks views on a revised version of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). A draft NPPF has been published alongside this consultation and both documents should be read together. The government is seeking views on:
• data centres and onsite energy generation Go to consultation here |
10 March 2026 |
| England – DEFRA | Reduce smoke emissions from solid fuel burning |
Air pollution is a major health risk, with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) linked to heart disease, asthma and premature death, particularly affecting children, older people and those with existing conditions. Domestic burning of solid fuels is a significant source of PM2.5, responsible for around 20% of UK emissions in 2023. Although overall air quality has improved, emissions from stove use have risen, contributing to an estimated £20 billion annual cost to society. This UK-wide consultation, led by Defra with the Scottish Government, Welsh Government and DAERA, proposes stricter emission limits for new stoves, mandatory labelling of stoves and fuels, and higher penalties for non-compliant suppliers. The aim is to reduce harmful emissions, promote cleaner technologies and provide clearer information to consumers. Go to consultation here |
19 March 2026 |
| England – MHCLG | Single Construction Regulator Prospectus | The government is seeking views on its proposals for regulatory reform and the development of a single construction regulator.
The Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s first recommendation in its Phase 2 report was for the government to create a single regulator that draws together functions relating to the construction industry. The government is consulting on proposals to establish a single construction regulator. The proposed changes intend to reduce fragmentation in how the sector is regulated and drive culture change in the industry. Single construction regulator prospectus: consultation document |
20 March 2026 |
| Northern Ireland | Draft Disability Strategy Public Consultation | The Executive Disability Strategy responds to long standing calls from Deaf and disabled people for a strategy developed in partnership with them and their representative organisations.
The primary aim of the Strategy is to improve the lives of people who are Deaf and disabled people, their families and carers so that they can play a full and active role in all aspects of our society. The draft Disability Strategy’s vision is for ‘’An inclusive society that respects, protects, promotes and fulfils the rights of all Deaf and disabled people to participate fully, free from discrimination’’.
Read the full consultation here |
20 March 2026 |
| Scotland | Scottish Building Regulation: Fire Safety review and Compliance: Call for Evidence | This consultation seeks to obtain the views and opinions of stakeholders on a review of building standards and guidance relating to fire safety, and including work on the compliance plan approach, to help ensure the safety of people in and around Scotland’s buildings.
Read full consultation here |
10 April 2026 |
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