Reporting Unsafe Structures to Building Control - Liverpool

Housing and Building Standards England 4 Minutes Read ยท published February 12, 2026 Flag of England

In Liverpool, England, building owners, occupiers and members of the public should report unsafe or dangerous structures immediately to Liverpool City Council9s Building Control so hazards can be inspected and remediated. This guide explains when a structure is likely to be unsafe, who enforces building standards in Liverpool, the practical steps to report a problem and what to expect from enforcement and appeals. It is aimed at residents, landlords, contractors and professionals who need clear action steps and official contacts.

Report obvious collapse risk or falling material immediately to reduce risk to life and property.

When to report an unsafe structure

Report structures that present an imminent risk to people or property, including partial collapse, large cracks, loose facades, scaffolding failures and fire-damaged buildings. Also report persistent water penetration that weakens structural elements, and any site where debris is falling onto a public highway or pavement.

  • Immediate danger: falling masonry, exposed reinforcement, roof collapse risk.
  • Public safety issues: debris on footpaths, unstable hoardings, unsafe scaffolding.
  • Post-incident inspections: after fire, flood or impact damage.
  • Structural works without proper controls where safety is compromised.
If people are at immediate risk, call emergency services first and then report to Building Control.

Who enforces and what laws apply

Liverpool City Council9s Building Control team enforces building regulations and unsafe-structure powers for the city; they investigate reports, issue notices and may arrange emergency work to make sites safe. For statutory powers at national level, enforcement sits within the framework of the Building Act 1984 and the Building Regulations 2010; local authorities use those powers in practice. For Liverpool City Council Building Control contact and service information, see the council9s Building Control pages [1]. For the principal national enforcement statutes and statutory instruments see the Building Act 1984 and Building Regulations 2010 [2].

Liverpool City Council Building Control is the first point of contact for dangerous structures in the city.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is carried out by Liverpool City Council Building Control (or the council9s authorised officers). Specific financial penalties and daily fines for breaches are not consistently listed on the council9s public-facing enforcement pages; where amounts or fixed fines apply those figures are not specified on the cited page and are recorded below as such with citation. Investigations may lead to remedial notices, emergency remedial works undertaken by the council with costs recharged, prosecution in the magistrates9 court, or other civil remedies.

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited Liverpool City Council pages; see the council contact for case-specific information.[1]
  • Escalation: first notices, follow-up notices and prosecution where works remain undone; specific escalation amounts or bands are not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: enforcement notices, dangerous-structure notices, demolition or other emergency works ordered by the council, seizure or securing of premises where required.
  • Enforcer and inspection: authorised building control officers from Liverpool City Council carry out inspections and serve notices; use the council9s official report/complaint page to request an inspection.[1]
  • Appeals and reviews: the cited local guidance does not list specific appeal time limits or tribunal routes and states timings are case dependent; see the council for appeal procedures and deadlines.
If the council carries out emergency remedial work they normally seek to recover costs from the owner.

Applications & Forms

Typical submissions for work affecting structural safety are either a Full Plans application or a Building Notice under the Building Regulations; Liverpool City Council publishes application routes and online forms for Building Control. Where a specific form number or a fixed fee appears, that detail is available on the council9s Building Control pages or application portal, otherwise the exact fee schedule is not specified on the cited page.[1]

Practical action steps

Follow these steps when you identify an unsafe structure in Liverpool.

  • Immediate risk: call 999 if people are in danger, then contact the council Building Control emergency line.
  • Report online: submit details, photos and location to Liverpool City Council Building Control via their report form.[1]
  • Preserve evidence: secure the area if safe to do so and keep records and photographs.
  • Follow instructions: comply with any emergency notice, allow inspections and provide access to contractors if required.
  • Pay or dispute costs: if the council carries out works they may charge; follow the council9s invoice and appeal procedures if you dispute costs.
Keep clear, dated photographs and copies of all correspondence to support any later appeal.

FAQ

Who should report an unsafe structure?
Anyone can report unsafe buildings in Liverpool: owners, occupiers, neighbours and members of the public should contact Liverpool City Council Building Control.
How quickly will Building Control inspect?
Inspection timing depends on risk; imminent dangers are prioritised but the council9s public pages do not give fixed inspection timeframes for every category of report.
Will I be charged for reporting?
Reporting a hazard is free; if emergency remedial work is carried out by the council the owner may be charged for costs incurred.

How-To

  1. Confirm immediate danger and contact emergency services if people are at risk.
  2. Note the exact address and take clear photos of the hazard and any falling debris or damage.
  3. Report the issue to Liverpool City Council Building Control using the council9s report page or phone line and give full contact details.[1]
  4. Follow any instructions from the council inspector, keep records of notices and allow access for remedial works.
  5. If you disagree with enforcement action or costs, request a review with the council and follow published appeal routes.

Key Takeaways

  • Report obvious collapse risks immediately to protect life and the public highway.
  • Liverpool City Council Building Control is the enforcing body for dangerous structures in the city.
  • Keep photos and correspondence; if the council undertakes emergency work they may recover costs from the owner.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Liverpool City Council - Building Control and reporting pages
  2. [2] Building Act 1984 - legislation.gov.uk

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