According to research from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), there are an estimated 138,000 leasehold dwellings in mid-rise buildings in England requiring work due to “external wall life-safety fire risks”. The report added that the costs of full remediation for these buildings could range from £2.9 to £4.9 billion, partial remediation could cost from £200 to £400 million and mitigation could be from £40 to £60 million.
In January this year, the DLUHC ensured leaseholders in mid-rise buildings would not have to pay for the remediation of unsafe cladding and stated that funding would be sought from building developers.
Under previous policies, government finance was only available for buildings over 18 m in height and under a strict set of criteria. However, mid-rise buildings between 11 and 18 m will now be the focus of their own fund, with major UK housebuilders asked to contribute towards remediating the defects.
“There will also be a separate Fund to mitigate against life safety fire risks associated with cladding on mid-rise residential buildings that are 11-18m in height…This Fund has not yet opened for applications and further information will be published in due course.” – DLUHC, Published 28 July 2022
As we await further clarification about the mid-rise scheme, FRC will be sure to provide you with the most up-to-date information to help you prepare in advance. Our directors are proud to be part of the Building Safety Group, chaired by The Property Institute, allowing us access to the most current advice and guidance.