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Leaseholders and Cladding: Greenwich and Woolwich
16 November 2020
Lead MP
Matthew Pennycook
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
TaxationHousing
Other Contributors: 2
At a Glance
Matthew Pennycook raised concerns about leaseholders and cladding: greenwich and woolwich in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The debate addresses the cladding crisis affecting leaseholders, especially those in Greenwich and Woolwich. The MP highlighted that over 20 privately owned buildings in his constituency are affected by aluminium composite material (ACM) cladding or other combustible materials. He discussed issues such as public funding for remediation, building insurance challenges, mortgage problems, and the liability issue. The speech emphasised the need for changes to the Building Safety Fund deadlines, an increase in fund size, revision of eligibility criteria for buildings below 18 metres, assistance with buildings insurance costs, and clear guidance on mortgage lending restrictions.
Vauxhall
Acknowledged the challenges leaseholders face in securing building insurance at reasonable rates.
Elliot Colburn
Con
Carshalton and Wallington
Emphasised the importance of clear guidance on mortgage lending restrictions for high-rise buildings.
Government Response
The Minister acknowledged the significant impact of the cladding crisis and emphasised the Government's commitment to ensuring resident safety. He highlighted that £1.6 billion has been set aside for remediation efforts, with an additional £1 billion allocated specifically for non-ACM cladding in both social and private residential sectors. The Minister stated that developers and building owners are expected to cover remediation costs where possible, without passing them onto leaseholders. He also mentioned the introduction of the Building Safety Fund and a draft Building Safety Bill aimed at preventing future safety defects and ensuring residents' voices are heard. Additionally, he addressed concerns over EWS1 forms for buildings under 18 metres and committed to working with financial services to find more nuanced solutions.
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House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.