The government has unveiled a new plan to accelerate the removal of dangerous cladding, setting deadlines and introducing tougher penalties for delays. Under these measures, all high-rise buildings over 18 metres with unsafe cladding eligible for government funding must be repaired by the end of 2029. For buildings over 11 metres, cladding must either be removed or have a clear timeline for remediation by the same date, or landlords will face strict penalties.
The move comes more than seven years after the Grenfell Tower tragedy, which claimed 72 lives and exposed widespread safety issues in tower blocks. Despite years of efforts, only a third of affected high-rise buildings have been fully remediated, leaving many residents in unsafe homes. Concerns over fire risks, uncertainty about who bears the costs, and slow progress have left nearly half a million people in limbo. The government’s plan promises to accelerate the process through enforcement and investment, alongside commitments from major developers to double the pace of remediation.
Campaigners, however, have criticised the proposals as insufficient. While the government claims the plan will hold negligent freeholders accountable, groups like End Our Cladding Scandal argue it fails to provide the clarity and urgency residents deserve. They highlighted the nine-year timeframe as disappointing, given the original safety fund launched in 2020.
The announcement coincides with a parliamentary debate on the second report into the Grenfell Tower fire. Ministers have pledged decisive action to address long-standing delays and deliver safer homes for affected residents, but campaigners remain sceptical about whether the measures will bring meaningful change.
