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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether lenders and insurers will be able to require leaseholders and building owners to seek cladding remediation in the event that a B1 or B2 rating has been given to a building under 18 metres.

On 21 July, the Government issued a recommendation that EWS1 forms should not be required for buildings under 18 metres.

The announcement followed the new advice from fire safety experts which found that there is no evidence of systemic risk of fire in all blocks of flats.

The expert advice also stated that where EWS1 forms and assessments have already been completed for buildings below 18 metres, it is strongly recommended that these assessments are reviewed by competent professionals to ensure that the proposed solution is cost effective and proportionate.

The Government is continuing to engage with insurers and lenders to encourage them to take a proportionate approach to risk.