Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, whether he plans to change Government guidance to fire risk assessors to ensure that buildings that have previously received a B2 rating in EWS1 surveys conducted prior to the change are guaranteed to receive fair treatment from lenders.

The expert advice, published on 21 June 2021, states 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 make sure that the proposed solution is cost effective and proportionate.

In the small number of cases where there are known to be concerns these should be addressed primarily through risk management and mitigation. In the minority of cases under 18 metres where concerns are identified via an up-to-date statutory fire risk assessment, and risk management and mitigation is not an option, leaseholders will be able to access a financing scheme, where costs will not exceed £50 a month and should not inhibit mortgage decisions.

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