Mark Whitehead 20 June 2017

Councils ordered to list buildings with cladding similar to Grenfell Tower

The Government has ordered urgent checks on social housing in the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster to find out whether any external cladding is dangerous.

Councils and other social housing providers have been told that any cladding made of Aluminuum Composite Material (ACM) must be tested to see if it is safe.

Latest figures from the police are that 79 people died in the fire last week at a tower block in north west London.

The type of cladding put on the building in a recent refurbishment is thought to have been a possible factor in the rapid way the fire spread.

Communities secretary Sajid Javid said ACM cladding was not necessarily dangerous but it depended on the type.

Social housing providers have been sent technical information on how to identify ACM cladding and told they must send any samples to a free government-run testing facility.

The testing facility is also available to other landlords.

Mr Javid said: ‘We are putting in place a rigorous, government funded testing process for any ACM cladding identified.

‘Housing minister Alok Sharma this morning met representatives from across the housing sector including the Home Builders Federation, Local Government Association and the National Housing Federation.

‘They all expressed their support for this work and gave a commitment that they would progress this with all possible haste.’

He said any landlord who was concerned could contact the department at housingchecks@communities.gsi.gov.uk for advice about cladding materials.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Chief Executive

Ebbsfleet Development Corporation
up to £165,000
Ebbsfleet is one of the UK’s most ambitious regeneration projects, a 21st-century Garden City Ebbsfleet, Kent
Recuriter: Ebbsfleet Development Corporation

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£35,412 - £39,152 (pre-progression) / £40,777 - £45,091 (post-progression)
We are looking for social workers who have completed the assessed and supported year in employment to join our Families First teams, working with our Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Strategy Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 10 £38,220 to £41,771 per annum
Would you like an exciting opportunity to make a difference to the lives of families in County Durham? We have a vacancy in our Strategy Team, helpin Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Swim Teacher

Durham County Council
£26,403 - £28,598
Durham County Council are looking for an enthusiastic Swim Teachers to join our team.   Wolsingham Leisure Centre – 6.5 hours – Permanent post   WHAT Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Adoption Team Manager

Durham County Council
£50,269 to £54,495 p.a. (Grade 14)
Lead the Future of Adoption in Durham – Team Manager Opportunity Are you ready to make a real impact in children’s lives? Durham’s Adoption Service i Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner