Government proposes tightening remediation regime for high-risk resi blocks

Owners of high-risk tall buildings over 11m will have to put a remediation plan in place within 15 months under new proposed government legislation.

The Remediation of Unsafe Cladding Bill, introduced to Parliament today (14 October), includes measures to identify, assess and fix issues. Those who ignore or obstruct work face financial penalties of up to £500,000.

Legal duties would apply to residential buildings in England over 11m high or with at least five storeys completed before June 2022.

In its guidance, the government says “responsible entities will be required to produce a Remediation Compliance Plan by the date 15 months from Royal Assent (of the legislation)”.

Owners must also assess the buildings for fire safety risks – a Fire Risk Assessment of External Walls (FRAEW) – within 12 months.

The guidance states: “We believe there are still buildings with unsafe cladding that remain unidentified, particularly those between 11 and 18 metres. The bill will introduce a legal duty to assess, so that unsafe buildings are identified, and the work needed to fix them is clearly established.”

The government said it expected every building over 11 metres with unsafe cladding to either have been remediated or have a clear completion date by the end of 2029.

It added that a safety net was in place if remediation work did not take place, with third parties such as Homes England intervening to take on the work.

Building safety minister Baroness Blake said: “It’s unacceptable that so many people have been left living in homes with dangerous cladding, anxiously waiting for those responsible to take action. 

“This Bill is a milestone in our mission to right these wrongs and ensure everyone feels confident in the safety of their home. 

“Crucially, it will ensure all residents have a route to remediation, regulators have the powers they need to take action and that for all residents currently waiting, an end is in sight.” 

Building Safety Regulator (BSR) acting chief executive Charlie Pugsley said: “BSR is fully engaged with stakeholders to support building owners in fixing known buildings faster. We will continue to support the government as a collaborative and proportionate regulator on the critical issue of remediation on higher-risk buildings across England.”