Responding to the latest fire safety test results on cladding and
insulation, Cllr Simon Blackburn, Chair of the Local Government
Association’s Safer and Stronger Communities Board, said:
“Only one council owned block is affected by this latest fire
safety test, and the cladding was removed a month ago. The rest
of the buildings affected by this latest test are all owned by
housing associations, private and other landlords.
“Of all the buildings with a combination of cladding and
insulation which has failed one of the three fire tests announced
so far, we understand 45 are owned by 15 councils. These councils
have already taken steps and put in measures to reassure
residents about safety, which includes replacing materials on
their high-rise blocks affected.
“Councils want to ensure all residents in their local area are
safe in their homes, regardless of whether they own the block or
not. There are concerns that other landlords in some areas are
not acting as quickly to inform residents about test fails and
lack the urgency shown by councils to identify their buildings
with the cladding and insulation systems which have failed the
three tests so far and take steps to make them safe.
“We are seeking clarity from the Government about the powers
available to councils to help encourage landlords to take such
action.
“With test fails affecting buildings owned by a range of
different landlords across the country, it is clear that the
current building regulation system has failed. We need a
commitment from government that it will meet the exceptional cost
to councils of removing and replacing cladding and insulation on
high-rise blocks as a result.”
