All residential buildings over 11m in England already have a pathway to fix unsafe cladding which also protects residents from these costs. But, seven years after the Grenfell tragedy, it is clear that action to fix unsafe buildings has been too slow. Without decisive steps now, the risks and hardship could be with us for more than another decade. This cannot go on.
This plan sets out how we will fix buildings faster, identify remaining buildings still at risk and ensure that residents are supported through the remediation process. Through this plan, we aim that, by the end of 2029, all 18m+ (high-rise) buildings with unsafe cladding in a government-funded scheme will have been remediated. Furthermore, by the end of 2029, every 11m+ building with unsafe cladding will either have been remediated, have a date for completion, or those responsible will be liable for severe penalties.
These targets represent a significant acceleration and provide much greater certainty around when cladding remediation will be resolved.
Key measures included in the plan are:
- action to identify buildings needing remediation through a review of 175,000 building records by the end of March 2025
- the intention to introduce new legal duties on those responsible to take action and make their buildings safe
- metro mayors convening regulators and preparing joined-up local plans to drive remediation in their areas
- additional funding and guidance for regulators to intensify enforcement activity
- new enforcement measures to hold those responsible to account
- a joint plan with developers, published today, to fix buildings faster covering over 95% of buildings to be remediated by developers
- action to begin accelerating remediation of social housing while working with the sector to announce a long-term strategy in Spring 2025
- supply chain support to facilitate delivery as remediation pace increases
- information on how we will hold those responsible for the building safety crisis to account
- the extension of the Waking Watch Replacement Fund until the end of March 2026, and
- further measures to ensure that residents are supported and protected throughout the remediation process.
It is only right that the construction industry contributes to making homes safe. That is why we are confirming the introduction of a Building Safety Levy on new residential developments which will raise around £3.4 billion for remediation. We intend that the levy will come into force in autumn 2025.
We also today launch a dialogue with the building insurance industry on whether and how a possible government intervention could bring down the high bills some have experienced which can be over £3,000 per annum.
A further consultation starts today on how we can ensure that leaseholders are only charged a fair and transparent insurance fee for work done in arranging insurance, rather than opaque commissions being charged to leaseholders.
Finally, we are taking several actions that address criticisms the Grenfell Inquiry Report made of the manufacturers of cladding and insulation products. This includes action towards preventing the most egregious companies, found to be part of the horrific failings that led to the Grenfell Tower tragedy, from being awarded government contracts. It also commits to system-wide construction products reform, including proposals on liabilities, robust sanctions and penalties against manufacturers.
The Remediation Acceleration Plan marks a pivotal moment in addressing the building safety crisis in England. We will work tirelessly to this end with resident groups and industry.
