PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
High Rise Flats: Insulation (17 July 2018)

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether there is a timetable in place for the removal of all combustible cladding from privately owned high-rise buildings; and what sanctions there will be for private owners of such buildings who refuse to remove dangerous cladding.

Asked by:
Dr Rosena Allin-Khan (Labour)

As at 12 July 2018, of the 301 private sector residential buildings with cladding systems that are unlikely to meet current Building Regulations guidance, local authorities have told us about plans for remediating 77 buildings. Of these, 23 buildings have started remediation, of which 4 have completed.

A new ministerial-chaired taskforce is being established to actively oversee the remediation of private sector buildings with aluminium composite material cladding systems. The taskforce will be charged with ensuring that remediation plans are put in place swiftly across all private sector buildings with aluminium composite material cladding systems, and addressing any barriers or identifying any additional support required to achieve this. We have not ruled out any options for enforcing remediation.

Local authorities have strong and effective powers to deal with poor quality unsafe accommodation and they have a statutory duty to keep housing conditions in their areas under review. They should take enforcement action against owners of buildings in their areas that are not acting responsibly in respect of hazards, and we encourage them to use these powers to the fullest to ensure residents are safe.

Answered by:
Kit Malthouse (Conservative)
23 July 2018