Industry specialists warn of risks related to Government’s cladding deadline

The Remediation Acceleration Plan requires all buildings of 18 metres or taller to have unsafe cladding fixed by the end of 2029, with a 2031 deadline for those between 11 and 18 metres tall. Building owners and landlords who miss these deadlines will face unlimited fines and potential criminal prosecution.

Urgent demands are being placed on the sector. Every contractor, developer and manufacturer must work at pace, while in parallel meeting the critical needs for competency and compliance on every project.

“We advocate the highest standards of technical accuracy and compliance across every project,” explained Matthew Castles, head of technical support at EQUITONE by Etex. “The Remediation Acceleration Plan prioritises resident safety and is a necessary move. However, speed must not compromise long-term performance. Independent certification will be critical to safeguard against errors and ensure that systems perform as intended.”

Effective implementation

Liam Blears, national commercial manager at FSi Promat by Etex, added: “We welcome the acceleration to remove unsafe cladding, combustible insulation and poorly installed cavity barriers, but the remediation programme’s success depends on effective implementation and accessible funding. Concerns about protecting vulnerable leaseholders and infrastructure readiness remain.”

Blears continued: “In order to help contractors deliver safe and compliant cladding on time, early engagement is going to be key. We’re here to support with technical information and compliance and make sure that contractors really can make sure everything’s right first time.”

Matthew Castles added: “For specifiers and contractors, it’s critical to lean on the supply chain. Across the Etex Group, we can provide technical and specification support. At EQUITONE, we also have a network of recommended installers, which will help to minimise delays and costly rework.”

New funding

More than £1 billion in new funding has been made available by the Government to support the acceleration programme. Local authorities and agencies are being given new powers to lead remediation work if building owners and landlords fail to act. This is backed by regional Remediation Acceleration Plans with dedicated resources.

The Government is also introducing a National Remediation System, which will ensure accountability for building owners, landlords and the supply chain. With shorter timescales and increased fire safety reassessment, early engagement, upskilling and robust test technical guidance will all be vital.