Government move to make remediation funding available for unsafe low-rise buildings

The government has confirmed it is pressing ahead with a plan to make new funding available to remediate buildings under 11m in height where they have serious fire safety risks.

The new funding will be part of the existing Cladding Safety Scheme and prioritised for life safety risks.

Serious cladding problems are less common in building below under 11m which are not covered by leaseholder protections and to date have not been eligible for funding.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) said the funding will help protect leaseholders from costs as well as making buildings safer. The amount of new funding has not yet been announced.

MHCLG said the move, first mooted in its Remediation Acceleration Plan, is part of a wider change whereby government prioritises buildings based on the risk they pose to residents rather than focussed on building height.

The government also confirmed a range of other changes to improve building safety, including setting out plans for a new single construction regulator, making it easier for the regulator to issue Building Assessment Certificates and providing clearer guidance for building owners.

It also intends to consult on making it easier for emergency works to take place.

Samantha Dixon, building safety minister said: “Residents shouldn’t be left worrying about living in homes with dangerous, flammable cladding, just because their building isn’t tall enough to qualify for funding.

“That is why we’re taking action so that buildings posing the greatest risk to life are prioritised, as well as streamlining processes to minimise delays and make responsibilities clear.”