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Remediation of Unsafe Cladding Bill puts new legal duty on building owners to fix unsafe cladding
A Bill introduced to Parliament would make those responsible for buildings identify and fix unsafe cladding without delay, and create a register of medium-rise residential blocks in England.
The government has introduced the Remediation of Unsafe Cladding Bill to Parliament, which it describes as a major milestone in ending the building safety crisis that followed the Grenfell Tower fire in west London.
A duty to act
The Bill would create a new legal duty on those responsible for building safety, such as freeholders, to identify, assess and fix problems without delay. Anyone who obstructs the work could face criminal penalties, and the First-tier Tribunal would get stronger powers to penalise those who ignore a Remediation Order.
If owners keep failing to act, third parties such as Homes England or local authorities could step in to carry out the work. Where a building has no effective owner, leaseholders would get clearer legal routes to take over its management.
More openness for residents
A new register of all medium-rise residential buildings in England is planned, so no building is missed. Fire risk appraisals of external walls would have to follow a consistent approach, and where work is recommended, owners would have to share a plan and timescale with residents.
The government still expects every building over 11 metres with unsafe cladding to be fixed, or to have a clear completion date, by the end of 2029. It says the Bill should speed up remediation for around 12,000 residents.
Photo: Jan van der Wolf on Pexels.
Source: GOV.UK (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government) (2026-10-14). Checked 2026-11-02.
London Builders introduces homeowners to independent builders and does not carry out building work. This article is general information, not advice.