Millions of people are living in flats built with dangerous cladding – they should not be expected to foot the bill
The IndependentIn addition to the terrible pain and suffering for those families affected directly, the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire has also left an awful legacy for millions of people living in flats built with dangerous cladding and other materials that must now be removed to meet fire safety standards. Leaseholders face bills of tens of thousands of pounds for remedial work, which many will be unable to afford, higher building insurance premiums and the huge cost of “waking watch” fire safety patrols. Five of the biggest house building firms, who have built now unsellable flats, have made pre-tax profits totalling almost £10bn since the Grenfell tragedy uncovered systemic safety problems in the industry. Although the Commons vote will not be binding, ministers should take note that 34 Tory backbenchers have signed an amendment to the Fire Safety Bill that would prevent developers from passing on the costs to flat-buyers – almost enough to defeat the government.
History of this topic
Sunak warned Tories face existential threat over housebuilding failures
The Independent
Housing crisis cost us votes, says Michael Gove
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Flat owners should not bear the additional costs of the cladding scandal
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