Sajid Javid reveals number of tower blocks with combusitible cladding has risen to eleven
3 min read
The number of high rise buildings found to have combustible cladding in light of the Grenfell Tower disaster has risen to eleven, Sajid Javid has revealed.
The Communities Secretary said eight local authorities were so far affected by the situation, with tests continuing on around 600 high rise buildings across England.
In a letter to MPs, Mr Javid said councils and housing associations had been told to find alternative accommodation for the thousands of residents living in dangerous accommodation if they could not be made safe.
He said Camden in North London, Manchester and Plymouth were three areas where buildings had so failed the test, but said he could not reveal more because local residents in the others have not yet been informed.
“I also want to reassure colleagues that you will be made aware if any sites are in your constituency by the local authority in the first instance – my department stands ready to assist colleagues if further information is required,” he said.
Mr Javid also sent MPs copies of the steps landlords should follow if they find their properties do not comply with building regulations.
“We should be clear that landlords have a legal obligation to provide safe buildings,” he added.
“Where they cannot do that, we expect alternative accommodation to be provided. My department stands ready to work with local authorities to ensure they can meet their obligations to provide safety for their tenants. We cannot and will not ask people to live in unsafe homes.”
The Secretary of State added that the Grenfell Tower disaster has “shaken” his understanding of his job in the Cabinet.
“As a minister I have always been prepared to make tough decisions. I understood the pressures that come with public life but this disaster has shaken my comprehension of what it means to be in office.”
He added: “This government will do everything possible not just to replace houses and provide immediate relief, but to seek justice for those people who have been failed.
“This tragedy should weigh on the consciousness of every person tasked with making a decision so this can never happen again”.
The Government had initially suggested that the 600 figure related those with the same type of panels as those installed on Grenfell Tower, yet a spokesperson later clarified that this meant “any type”, with differing safety levels.
A Downing Street spokeswoman said yesterday that no-one would be left to live in unsafe buildings.
"They will be rehoused if they need to be and landlords will be asked to provide alternative accommodation where that's possible," she said.
Hotel chain Premier Inn is also thought to be under threat from slightly less combustible panels, having told the BBC of concerns surrounding buildings in Maidenhead, Brentford and Tottenham.
The company have been assured that “robust” safety measures and ample escape routes mean the chain are unlikely to be forced in to closure during an investigation.
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