Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Cladding and Building Remediation

Monday 5 June 2023 · 4 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government intends to enact reforms to improve the buildings insurance market by banning commissions, increasing transparency, and preventing unjustified legal costs.
  • Minister met with the Association of British Insurers multiple times in recent weeks and is hopeful that their scheme will be launched in the coming weeks.
  • Minister acknowledges the challenges faced by individuals living in unsafe buildings and is working to push forward remediation efforts since January.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Janet Daby Lab Lewisham East
Housing Environment
Context

The question arises from concerns over the progress of cladding and non-cladding remediation in residential buildings.

Question

What recent progress has been made on cladding and non-cladding remediation for residential buildings?

Answer from Lee Rowley

The Government intend to enact reforms to improve the buildings insurance market by banning commissions, increasing transparency of information and preventing unjustified legal costs when premiums are challenged. We are also pressing the insurance industry to launch its scheme. In 95% of all identified unsafe high-rise aluminium composite material buildings, and in 400 buildings supported by the building safety fund, remediation works have been either completed or started.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address non-cladding remediation progress specifically asked about.

How: Pressed The Insurance Industry To Launch A Scheme

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Q2 Stephen Timms Lab East Ham
Energy
Context

The MP highlighted residents of Barrier Point facing significantly increased insurance premiums, with some facing an additional £6,000 this year.

Question

Can the Minister offer any prospect of imminent relief to constituents whose insurance premiums have risen sixfold, given that some face a demand of an additional £6,000 this year?

Answer from Lee Rowley

I completely appreciate the point. I have met with the Association of British Insurers multiple times in the last few weeks alone. I am hopeful that the scheme it hopes to bring forward will come forward in the next few weeks. Later today, I am meeting the British Insurance Brokers' Association again to talk about how it will reduce commissions.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify any immediate relief measures for residents facing high premiums.

How: Met With Abi Multiple Times

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Q3 Janet Daby Lab Lewisham East
Housing
Context

The MP highlighted challenges faced by individuals and families living in unsafe buildings where remediation has been promised, including leaseholders unable to sell or move.

Question

Will the Minister acknowledge that it is unacceptable for individuals and families to have their lives put on hold due to living in unsafe buildings? Will he agree to implement a timeframe so that work is prioritised by housing providers and building firms?

Answer from Lee Rowley

I am grateful to the hon. Lady for highlighting challenges her constituents are facing. I appreciate the point she is making about challenges. We are trying to push forward with remediation as quickly as we can do so since the announcement by big six lenders in December, taking effect in January.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not acknowledge unacceptable situation or agree to set a timeframe.

How: Grateful For Highlighting Challenges

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Q4 Bob Neill Con
Economy
Context

The MP highlighted a market withdrawal issue faced by his constituents where the previous insurer is refusing to quote despite risks being removed.

Question

Will the Minister recognise that there is a problem of insurers withdrawing from the market, and intervene to ensure people can get proper quotes?

Answer from Lee Rowley

My hon. Friend makes an important point. That is why we are trying to encourage and work with the ABI and large insurers, to bring forward a new scheme that should help with highlighted issues. I hope for more news in coming weeks; if not, keen to talk to my hon. Friend and local residents about moving forward.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not recognise the market failure or promise intervention directly.

How: Encouraging Insurers To Bring Forward A New Scheme

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