Posted 17.04.20
GOV.UK: Further reading
Essential safety work to replace unsafe cladding on high-rise buildings will continue during the Covid-19 emergency, following a commitment from local leaders to Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick.
The Mayors of Greater Manchester, Sheffield City Region, London, Liverpool City Region and the West Midlands have pledged their commitment to ensuring vital safety work can continue, where necessary social distancing rules are being followed.
Earlier this year the government announced a new £1 billion fund to pay for the removal and replacement of unsafe cladding for high rise buildings.
The Pledge sets out a commitment to improving the safety of residential blocks whilst also ensuring those working on site are given clear information and support to guarantee their own safety, as well as limiting the spread of Covid-19.
The government has provided sector specific guidance on how to apply social distancing in the workplace in England. This includes updated guidance for construction workers, making clear that 'work on-site can continue if done in accordance with the social distancing guidelines wherever possible'.
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Posted 03.04.20
GOV.UK: Further reading
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has announced steps to further reform the building safety system, with the biggest changes in a generation to ensure residents are safe in their homes.
The new measures announced include mandatory sprinkler systems and consistent wayfinding signage in all new high-rise blocks of flats over 11 metres tall.
The reforms are designed to incentivise compliance and to better enable the use of enforcement powers and sanctions, including prosecution where the rules are not followed.
They follow the announcement of the £1 billion fund for removing unsafe cladding from high-rise buildings in the Budget.
The government's construction expert, David Hancock, has also been appointed to review the progress of removing unsafe ACM claddings from buildings.
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