How the Government’s New Remediation Plan Aims to Speed Up Fixes for Unsafe Cladding

The cladding crisis that has haunted UK households for years is set to take centre stage in Westminster Hall on 15 September, when MPs will debate the latest steps the government is taking to accelerate remediation of residential blocks. The session, opened by Dr Pinkerton MP, follows a December 2024 Remediation Acceleration Plan (RAP) that labelled the slow pace of work as "unacceptable" and promised swifter action for residents living with unsafe external walls.

At the heart of the RAP are three clear objectives: to identify every building with hazardous cladding, to speed up the fixing process, and to provide tangible support for those affected. An update released in July 2025 – refreshed in June 2026 – shows that progress is being measured against these goals. Of the 4,697 high‑rise properties (over 11 metres) the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) now tracks, 39% have finished remediation, 15% have begun work and 46% are still awaiting a start. The figures suggest that while a substantial chunk of the backlog is moving forward, almost half of the monitored stock remains untouched.

The data also highlight a success story among the most dangerous structures. Out of 516 blocks that are 18 metres or taller and fitted with aluminium composite material (ACM) cladding – the type blamed for the Grenfell tragedy – a striking 93% have either completed remediation or are waiting for building‑control sign‑off. Yet the MHCLG estimates that between 5,800 and 7,300 buildings over 11 metres still harbour potentially unsafe cladding, meaning the department is currently overseeing between 64% and 81% of the total problem. Smaller blocks under 11 metres are not covered by the monthly release, leaving a blind spot in the national picture.

To bridge the funding gap, the government has layered several support schemes. The "developer remediation contract" – introduced in January 2023 and often called the developers’ pledge – obliges builders to fund the work on the homes they constructed. The Leasehold Advisory Service (LEASE) publishes the list of signatories, giving leaseholders a clear point of contact. A Fire Safety Reinsurance facility, detailed in the RAP update, helps residents of high‑risk blocks secure insurance where premiums have spiked. Meanwhile, the Cladding Safety Scheme (CCS) was broadened in July 2026 to include buildings under 11 metres, with priority given to the most severe fire‑risk defects.

Despite these measures, leaseholders and freeholders continue to wrestle with practical hurdles. Out‑of‑date or invalid EWS1 (External Wall Systems) forms can stall sales, block mortgage approvals and drive up insurance costs. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors maintains a frequently‑updated FAQ to help owners navigate these challenges, but the uncertainty remains a heavy burden for many.

Looking ahead, the government has signalled further legislative firepower. The forthcoming Remediation Bill – announced in the 2026 King’s Speech – will create a statutory duty to identify, assess and fix unsafe buildings without delay. It also proposes that external‑wall assessments follow the PAS:9980 standard, a framework that has split opinion: some fire engineers praise its pragmatic flexibility, while critics warn it could let developers down‑play serious risks. Adding to the financial toolkit, the Building Safety Levy (England) Regulations 2025 will take effect in October 2026, imposing a tax on new residential builds to fund ongoing safety work.

For renters, landlords and prospective buyers, the evolving policy landscape offers both hope and caution. Faster remediation should eventually lower insurance premiums and restore confidence in mortgage lending, but the interim may see continued disruptions, especially for those in unmonitored low‑rise blocks. Staying informed about the RAP updates, the status of EWS1 forms and the timing of the Remediation Bill will be essential for anyone with a stake in the UK’s rental and property market.