Michael Gove aims to scrap need for leaseholders to foot bill for making fire-trap homes safe

Leaseholders should not have to pay a penny towards the cost of replacing fire-risk cladding, Michael Gove said last night in an apparent major concession. Appearing before the Commons housing committee yesterday, Michael Gove confirmed he would ‘pause’ plans that would see leaseholders take out loans to pay for remediation work Mr Jenrick’s scheme aims to put a cap on some costs – but still leaves many owners facing big bills. Appearing before the Commons housing committee yesterday, Mr Gove confirmed he would ‘pause’ plans that would see leaseholders take out loans to pay for remediation work. He also criticised expensive warden schemes which residents are being forced to pay, saying: ‘There have been some individuals and organisations who have seen an opportunity to make money for themselves.’ Robert Jenrick’s plans would have seen those in blocks of fewer than six storeys or 18 metres taking out hefty loans to pay for the cost of ‘remediation’ of cladding problems Mr Gove said he was reviewing the whole loan scheme and other aspects of the reforms unveiled earlier this year by Mr Jenrick. He said he wanted to find if there was a ‘better way to deal’ with the issue rather than making leaseholders pay, but added: ‘It may be that I come back and say, “I’ve tried but I fear for these reasons it’s difficult”.’ Asked by committee chairman Clive Betts whether support would be available for dealing with fire safety issues other than cladding, which can often be even more expensive, Mr Gove said this was his intention.