Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Residential Buildings: Remediation

Monday 20 February 2023 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Developers are lining up to sign contracts for remediation of approximately 1,500 buildings.
  • The Government's actions will ensure building owners are responsible for remediation and trapped leaseholders can move and secure mortgages on their property.
  • Legislation to fundamentally reform the leasehold system is planned to be introduced in the forthcoming King's Speech.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Mike Kane Lab Wythenshawe and Sale East
Housing Environment
Context

The question addresses the issue of leaseholders in low-rise apartment blocks facing increases in building insurance costs due to cladding problems.

Question

What steps are being taken with Cabinet colleagues to protect leaseholders from increasing insurance costs caused by cladding issues?

Answer from Michael Gove

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address specifics on steps taken with Cabinet colleagues for leaseholder protection from insurance costs

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Q2 Tan Dhesi Lab Slough
Housing
Context

The question highlights the plight of leaseholders in potentially dangerous blocks who face rising service charges and cannot sell or remortgage their apartments.

Question

Does the Secretary of State consider it fair for Slough constituents to continue suffering under such conditions, given that developers delay remediation?

Answer from Michael Gove

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specifics on fairness of current conditions for Slough constituents

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Q3 Meg Hillier Labour (Co-op) Hackney South and Shoreditch
Housing Local Government
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.

Question

What progress has been made to reduce insurance premiums for leaseholders facing high costs due to cladding?

Answer from Michael Gove

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide concrete progress details with insurers to reduce premiums

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Q4 Mike Kane Lab Wythenshawe and Sale East
Housing
Context

The question raises the case of a constituent facing £5,000 costs due to regulatory changes related to cladding, with no support offered.

Question

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?

Answer from Michael Gove

I will absolutely make sure that I or another Minister meets the hon. Gentleman and takes up the case of his constituent, yes.

Answered
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Q5 Julian Lewis Con New Forest East
Housing
Context

The question suggests that issues like cladding will continue until there is fundamental reform in the leasehold system.

Question

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?

Answer from Michael Gove

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific timeline for introduction of leasehold reform legislation

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