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Written question asked by Hilary Benn (Labour) on Tuesday, 4 February 2020, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 10 February 2020 (named day). A holding answer was provided on Monday, 10 February 2020. A substantive answer was provided by Esther McVey (Conservative) on Wednesday, 12 February 2020 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Buildings: Insulation

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether it remains his policy that the cost of removing unsafe cladding on buildings should be borne by the freehold owners of those properties and not by leaseholders.

Answer

The Government has committed to fully fund the removal and replacement of unsafe ACM cladding on private sector residential high-rise buildings. Government intervention is wholly exceptional due to the unparalleled fire risk ACM poses.

Building safety is the responsibility of the building owner, and they must remedy any safety risks uncovered. Building owners should consider all routes to meet costs, and protect leaseholders – for example through warranties and recovering costs from contractors for incorrect or poor work.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
12211
Session
2019-21
Subjects
Costs Buildings Leasehold Insulation Freehold Repairs and maintenance
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk