Number of tower blocks found with combustible cladding rises to 34
2 min read
The number of high rise buildings found to have combustible cladding has risen to 34, Government tests launched in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy have revealed.
Communities Secretary Sajid Javid said tower blocks in 17 local authorities had fallen short of standards - amid plans to examine cladding from up to 600 high rises.
In a statement released last night he said all cladding samples had so far failed to meet fire safety tests.
“It is therefore very important for local authorities and housing associations to continue to submit such samples as a matter of urgency,” he said.
“In the meantime, local authorities are contacting fire and rescue services in their area to conduct fire safety inspections of these tower blocks to inform them on what remedial works might be required”.
Manchester, Camden, Portsmouth and Brent are among the areas named as affected. Residents from 650 flats in Camden have already been evacuated as a precaution.
Mr Javid said tests were being carried out “very quickly” but stressed that failure to meet combustibility standards would not necessarily mean buildings would be evacuated.
“I understand that the tragedy at Grenfell Tower, and now the evacuation in Camden, will be particularly worrying for those living in high-rise towers,” he said.
“However, fire safety standards are in place in buildings across this country and landlords are obliged by law to meet them – in both private rented and social housing.
"Individuals are no more likely to experience a fire now than before, but everyone should remain vigilant to the risk”.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said the cladding issue posed “a nationwide threat,” adding that the Prime Minister needed to “get a grip and lead a national response”.
“I urge the government to make sure all necessary support – including, crucially, financial support – is urgently made available to councils across the country,” he said.
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