Residential Buildings Remediation 2023-02-20
2023-02-20
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses the issue of leaseholders in low-rise apartment blocks facing increases in building insurance costs due to cladding problems.
What steps are being taken with Cabinet colleagues to protect leaseholders from increasing insurance costs caused by cladding issues?
Developers are lining up to sign our contract for remediation of approximately 1,500 buildings. Ninety-five percent of dangerous Grenfell-style clad buildings have been remediated or work is underway. The number fixed by the building safety fund has doubled in the past year. A new mid-rise scheme pilot is making progress ahead of its full launch.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address specifics on steps taken with Cabinet colleagues for leaseholder protection from insurance costs
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question highlights the plight of leaseholders in potentially dangerous blocks who face rising service charges and cannot sell or remortgage their apartments.
Does the Secretary of State consider it fair for Slough constituents to continue suffering under such conditions, given that developers delay remediation?
The Government's actions will ensure that building owners are responsible for remediation and that trapped leaseholders can move and secure mortgages on their property if required.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specifics on fairness of current conditions for Slough constituents
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The question notes that insurance premiums remain too high despite progress made, affecting residents like the MP who lives in a block with cladding.
What progress has been made to reduce insurance premiums for leaseholders facing high costs due to cladding?
Not only have insurance premiums been too high, but middle people involved have gouged at leaseholders' expense. The Government has made it clear that responsibilities lie on the ABI and others to change their ways. Work is being done by the Under-Secretary for local government.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide concrete progress details with insurers to reduce premiums
Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
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Context
The question raises the case of a constituent facing £5,000 costs due to regulatory changes related to cladding, with no support offered.
Will the Minister meet me to discuss my constituent Joanne Davies' case where she faces a £5,000 expense due to regulation change for low-rise blocks?
I will absolutely make sure that I or another Minister meets the hon. Gentleman and takes up the case of his constituent, yes.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The question suggests that issues like cladding will continue until there is fundamental reform in the leasehold system.
Does the Secretary of State recognize the need for fundamental reform of the leasehold system to resolve issues such as those faced by innocent leaseholders, and when does he plan to introduce legislation?
We hope to introduce legislation in the forthcoming King's Speech to fundamentally reform the leasehold system, ending feudal tenure and ensuring individuals can fully enjoy their property rights.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific timeline for introduction of leasehold reform legislation
Response accuracy