On December 17, 2025, the UK Government confirmed no revision to the Building Safety Act 2022's definition of Higher-Risk Buildings (HRB). This decision exempts existing care homes and hospitals, sparking calls from RICS for future inclusion due to their inherent risks.. Defining 'Higher Risk' β The Government's Stance The UK Government announced on December 17, 2025, that it would not revise the definition of 'Higher Risk Building' (HRB) as outlined in the Building Safety Act 2022. This decision means that existing care homes and hospitals, despite their evident vulnerabilities, remain outside the specific HRB regulatory regime although they are covered by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This has significant implications for fire safety oversight in these critical sectors. RICS Calls for Broader Inclusion The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has voiced concerns, urging future inclusion of these sensitive buildings under the HRB definition. RICS argues that the enhanced oversight and safety measures mandated for HRBs are precisely what institutions housing vulnerable populations require, aligning with the intent of post Grenfell reforms to protect those most at risk. Understanding the Current Regulatory Landscape While care homes and hospitals are excluded from the HRB definition at present, they are still subject to stringent fire safety requirements under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Responsible Persons must ensure robust fire risk assessments, emergency plans, and maintenance regimes are in place. Our expertise provides clarity on these overlapping regulations. Tailoring Fire Safety Strategies for Vulnerable Occupancies Magnus Opifex Seven LTD specializes in developing bespoke fire safety strategies for complex and vulnerable occupancies, including care homes and hospitals. Even without the HRB designation, these buildings demand the highest level of fire engineering scrutiny. We help you navigate the nuanced regulatory environment, ensuring your fire safety provisions exceed minimum requirements and provide the utmost protection for your residents and patients. Need Expert Fire Safety Advice? Magnus Opifex Seven LTD provides leading fire engineering, BSR Gateway 2 support, PAS 9980 appraisals, BESS fire safety, and healthcare fire strategy services across the UK. π Call: +44 7486 691724 βοΈ office@magnus opifex.co.uk Request a Free Consultation β