About LABC

LABC is the membership organisation for all local authority building control teams in England and Wales, representing over 3,000 building inspectors and technical support staff. We develop our members and wider industry through the delivery of a suite of award-winning accredited qualifications and Competence Specific Learning (CSL).

Find out more

We’re committed to educating the industry

Five reasons to choose local authority building control

In-depth local expertise

Local authority building control surveyors possess a deep understanding of local ground conditions, non-standard construction, contamination and mining, potential drainage problems, and the historical details of properties in the area.

Impartial and independent service

As a public service, local authority building control is collaborative, completely independent, impartial, transparent, and accountable, with strong local knowledge.

Full enforcement powers

The local authority has direct legal enforcement powers under the Building Act 1984. This means they can order non-compliant building work to be altered or removed.

Coordinated and collaborative approach

Local authorities have established working relationships with other key agencies, such as planning, fire and rescue services, statutory undertakers like sewerage companies, and highways. This simplifies the process by ensuring all necessary consultations are handled efficiently, which can help prevent costly delays.

Proactive and robust assessment and inspection regimes

Local authorities provide a rigorous and consistent plan assessment and inspection process, including keeping records and issuing certification, in line with the Operational Standards Rules set out by the Building Safety Regulator, and their Quality Management Systems.

About local authority building control