Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what steps the Government is taking to protect leaseholders from charges arising from (a) external wall reviews and (b) other professional services related to a relevant defect that had not previously been formally identified.

Where the defects identified from external wall reviews, and other professional services, fall under the classification of 'relevant defects', then the charges arising from such reviews and services will be covered by the leaseholder protections under the Building Safety Act 2022 and will count towards the capped costs qualifying leaseholders would pay if the building owner is not liable for all costs.

Where developers or building owners are not currently funding cladding remediation, and where recommended by a Fire Risk Appraisal of External Wall construction (FRAEW), the Building Safety Fund will fund eligible remedial work directly related to addressing life safety fire risks associated with cladding for high-rise residential buildings. The costs of an FRAEW will be reimbursed to the applicant if it meets the Building Safety Fund's eligibility requirements.