The Public Accounts Committee, a group of MPs tasked with examining government spending, has raised serious concerns regarding the UK government's efforts to address the cladding crisis in England, which has its roots in the tragic Grenfell Tower fire of 2017. The committee's report highlights a significant lack of clarity about the number of buildings affected by unsafe cladding, the financial implications of removal, and the timelines for remediation. With a staggering prediction that the costs could soar to £22.4 billion, they express skepticism over the government's current target to resolve the safety issues by 2029, calling the plan ‘insufficiently ambitious’ and a potential failure in delivering the promised outcomes.
The report points out that, despite thousands of buildings being made safe—particularly high-rise buildings with dangerous cladding—a quarter of the 1,323 tall buildings identified as needing remediation have not commenced necessary work. The findings suggest that up to 12,000 buildings may still pose a risk, impacting up to three million people. Homes England is set to undertake a review of 720,000 building records to identify those requiring urgent attention.
Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, the Conservative chair of the committee, expressed his disappointment at the slow progress and likened the ongoing crisis to major scandals in history, articulating deep concerns over the lack of immediate solutions for residents in perilous housing situations. The government's plan to shift the financial burden from leaseholders to developers—with the introduction of the Building Safety Act—is seen as a step in the right direction. However, it has also caused complications for homeowners who find themselves unable to sell their flats due to potential financial liabilities for future remediation work.
The report further criticizes the timeline for remediation targets as ‘unconvincing’ and warns that legislative changes needed to expedite the process may take considerable time. Furthermore, the National Housing Federation has indicated that safety measures have led to a drastic decline—by 90 percent—in new construction in London last year.
In a bid to boost funding for remediation efforts, the committee suggests that manufacturers involved in the supply of cladding and insulation materials, like Arconic, should face financial levies. The Ministry of Housing emphasizes its ongoing collaboration with industry players and local governments to ensure that accountability measures are enforced and that building owners who neglect their duties face penalties.
As the situation develops, the committee has called for regular updates from the government on the progress of remediation efforts to reinforce accountability and transparency in addressing this critical safety issue.
