The government has introduced the Remediation of Unsafe Cladding Bill to Parliament, aiming to implement tougher enforcement actions against those responsible for unsafe cladding. The bill proposes new legal duties, including the creation of a register for all medium-rise residential buildings in England between 11 and 18 metres in height.
Building safety minister, Baroness Blake, stated that the bill is a "milestone in our mission to right these wrongs and ensure everyone feels confident in the safety of their home." The government's objective is to ensure all buildings with unsafe cladding are remediated by 2029.
The legislation introduces a new legal duty for those responsible for building safety, such as freeholders, to identify, assess, and fix issues promptly. Failure to comply with a Remediation Order could result in financial penalties of up to £500,000. Additionally, fines of up to £7,000 are proposed for failing to register medium-rise residential buildings.
The bill will also empower councils and Homes England to intervene and carry out remediation if responsible parties repeatedly fail to act. For buildings without an effective owner, leaseholders will have clearer legal routes to manage the property. The government claims these measures will help accelerate remediation for approximately 12,000 residents.