Housing (Cladding Remediation) (Scotland) Bill published by Scottish Government

Under proposals in the Housing (Cladding Remediation) (Scotland) Bill, the Scottish Government would also create and maintain a Cladding Assurance Register to afford residents confidence about the assessment and works undertaken once those buildings are remediated.

The Housing (Cladding Remediation) (Scotland) Bill would give Government ministers the power to establish a Responsible Developers Scheme in order to support engagement with developers and encourage them to pay for – or carry out – any necessary remediation work.

While subject to further consultation, such a scheme would likely include agreement to pay for remediation costs, with potential sanctions for developers that are eligible, but who do not join or continue membership.

Determined to safeguard

Housing Minister Paul McLennan said: “We are determined to safeguard people living in buildings with unsafe cladding, which has been identified through the cladding remediation programme. Where work is required, it should be carried out swiftly. The Housing (Cladding Remediation) (Scotland) Bill will allow us to build on progress to date by addressing barriers to assessment and remediation work.”

Further, McLennan stated: “The public commitments that have already been made by many of Scotland’s developers to identify, assess and remediate their buildings mean that public money can be focused on buildings without a linked developer.”

In conclusion, McLennan noted: “The opportunity for the future creation of a Responsible Developers Scheme, enabled through secondary legislation, would recognise those developers who are doing the right thing and also protect the reputation of responsible operators.”

*Copies of the Housing (Cladding Remediation) (Scotland) Bill, which is currently at Stage One, can be read online