The government today announced that they will pay for the removal and replacement of cladding on high rise buildings. The total costs across the UK for councils and housing association is estimated to be £400m.
Newham Council owns three tower blocks with Aluminium Composite Cladding material – Ferrier Point, Tanner Point and Nicholls Point. Most of the cladding has been removed already from the three blocks.
Reacting to the announcement, Mayor Fiaz said:
“Councils on already stretched budgets should not be left with shouldering the burden of the unexpectedly high costs of removing the ACM cladding from tower blocks. However, we have not let a lack of funds delay any essential fire safety works. In the wake of the Grenfell tragedy last year, Newham took immediate action to keep residents safe. The cladding has now almost been completely removed from the three blocks with Aluminium Composite Material cladding.
“We welcome this long overdue decision by the government. It is something we have repeatedly asked for. We have already spent thousands of pounds on remedial measures so it is essential the funding is retrospective, taking into account the vast sums already spent by many councils in ensuring that residents are safe.”