The Scottish Parliament has unanimously approved the Cladding Remediation Bill. This new law empowers the government to assess and fix buildings with unsafe cladding, even if the owner doesn’t consent.
Faster Progress and Public Reassurance
Housing Minister Paul McLennan hails the bill as a “landmark moment.” It removes obstacles to building assessments and repairs, speeding up the process. Additionally, a Cladding Assurance Register will be created to give homeowners confidence in the work being done. This register will include details like assessment dates, repairs made, and completion times.
Focus on Safeguarding Residents and Holding Developers Accountable
The bill prioritizes resident safety while also protecting homeowners financially. Public funds will be used for buildings where developers cannot be identified. The government plans to establish a Responsible Developers Scheme to encourage developer participation. Participating developers are likely to contribute financially to assessments and repairs. Those who don’t participate may face restrictions on future development work.
Action on Cladding Issues
As of February 2024, the Scottish government identified 105 buildings requiring remediation, with work already underway on two. The new bill is expected to significantly accelerate this process, as highlighted by Housing Minister McLennan.