On 2 December 2024, the Government introduced the "Remediation Acceleration Plan" outlining a set of measures aimed at speeding up the remediation of buildings with unsafe cladding, particularly high-rise properties. This comes in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy and the recent conclusions of the Inquiry in its report of 4 September 2024.
As the Government sets ambitious timelines and requirements, it is essential for registered providers of social housing (“RPs”) and developers to understand how those changes may impact their duties and processes in the coming years.
The Government's goals and strategic intent
The primary aim of the plan is to address the perceived slow pace of remediation work, ensuring that buildings with unsafe cladding are swiftly remediated and that affected residents are supported throughout the process. The Government has made it clear that remediation for buildings of at least 11 metres in height, including those between 11m and 18m, must be completed by 2029. The focus will be on buildings with the most dangerous cladding (e.g. ACM), with remediation for those properties set to start by March 2025.
The plan includes three key objectives, strongly emphasising legislative action to enforce building identification and remediation, as well as providing support for residents and leaseholders impacted by delays:
- Objective 1 – fix buildings faster: the Government has set a target for speedier remediation, particularly for buildings already identified as requiring works. Remediation on buildings with unsafe cladding should be well under way by the end of March 2025, with work completed on the highest-risk properties by July 2027.
- Objective 2 – identify all buildings with unsafe cladding: to improve transparency, the Government plans to introduce legislation requiring all buildings over 11m to be registered and assessed. This will ensure that building owners, including RPs and developers, are clearly identified as responsible for taking action.
- Objective 3 – support residents: the Government has also prioritised improving the experience of residents in affected buildings. Measures include reducing insurance premiums, extending the Waking Watch Replacement Fund to March 2026, and introducing a framework for shared owners to sublet properties, alleviating financial burdens.
Implications for RPs and developers
Whilst the Government’s proposals may seem demanding, they are designed to provide greater clarity and structure to the remediation process.
The key points of note include:
- Voluntary joint action plan: the Government has this plan for developers who have signed the Developer Remediation Contract (DRC). Those developers have committed to completing remediation works within defined timeframes. Whilst not legally binding, this voluntary plan allows developers some flexibility in meeting obligations.
- Legislative changes and enforcement: the Government plans to introduce new legislation that will require building owners and developers to remediate unsafe cladding within set timelines. Those pieces of legislation are expected to include financial consequences for non-compliance, ensuring a uniform and accountable process across the sector.
- Regulatory support: the Government is committed to enhancing enforcement and support systems, including funding for local authorities to increase enforcement activities and engage with the Building Safety Regulator. This is intended to provide additional support to RPs and developers as they work to meet the remediation goals.
- Long-term strategy for social housing: In addition to those measures, the Government will develop a long-term strategy to accelerate remediation in social housing. This will include additional funding opportunities and targeted support to help RPs traverse the remediation process.
What this means for the industry in the future
Whilst these changes will require adjustment, the Remediation Acceleration Plan provides a clear framework for addressing building safety issues systematically. RPs and developers will need to prepare for more rigorous assessments and clearer timelines, though the Government’s focus on providing funding and regulatory support should help mitigate some of the challenges associated with remediation.
The introduction of new rules and legislation is likely to accelerate remediation and create more a more consistent process for doing so. Those who actively engage with these measures and make use of available funding and resources will be better positioned to meet the deadlines and contribute to a safer built environment. Looking ahead, RPs and developers should stay informed about the forthcoming updates and legislation, on which we will provide further information as those become implemented.
David Firth is a Partner and Mathieu Quenin is a Senior Associate at Capsticks.