Benx: Ensuring Building Safety through Cladding Remediation
In 2022, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) confirmed that 95% of all identified high-rise residential and publicly owned buildings in England had either completed or initiated remediation work to remove and replace unsafe cladding. This significant progress marks a critical step toward enhancing building safety standards.
Advances in Cladding Remediation
With the remediation efforts for residential buildings over 18 meters now well underway, the Cladding Safety Scheme (CSS) was introduced last year to extend support to building owners with properties in the 11-18 meter range. This initiative is a promising development for the future safety and standards of buildings across England.
Recent DLUHC data indicates that by the end of February 2024, 4,092 residential buildings over 11 meters with unsafe cladding had been identified, reflecting an increase of 120 buildings since the end of January. While this data is encouraging, it underscores the need for additional buildings, particularly within the 11-18 meter range, to apply for CSS funding. This scheme assists applicants who cannot afford the remediation work themselves or who believe the responsibility does not lie with them.
Since 2020, buildings over 18 meters have been eligible to apply for the Building Safety Fund (BSF), now accessible through the Building Remediation Hub. This new platform provides a streamlined route for obtaining grants from both the CSS and BSF. The total number of buildings that have commenced or completed remediation has more than doubled since February 2023.
Regulators continue to urge all relevant building owners to voluntarily enter the remediation schemes to avoid potential enforcement actions.
The Evolving Landscape for Developers
In a landmark decision, Scotland passed a cladding remediation bill in May 2024, empowering ministers to mandate the removal of hazardous cladding without the owners’ consent. This move necessitates that developers in Scotland join a ‘responsible developers’ scheme, akin to the ‘Responsible Actors’ initiative introduced in England in 2023.
The Responsible Actors Scheme (RAS), implemented under the Building Safety Act in July 2023, seeks to elevate the safety and standards of residential buildings. Members of RAS are required to:
- Identify residential buildings over 11 meters they have developed or refurbished in the past 30 years and any with known life-critical fire safety defects.
- Remediate or mitigate, or finance the remediation/mitigation of, these fire safety defects.
- Reimburse government schemes for taxpayer-funded remediation/mitigation work, aiding the government in funding and executing necessary safety measures.
RAS is applicable to residential buildings at least 11 meters high, located in England, and developed or refurbished between April 5, 1992, and April 4, 2022. The scheme incentivises developers to address unsafe defects and is reinforced by building and planning control prohibitions.
Developers meeting the criteria but not participating in RAS could face adverse consequences. The government is committed to ensuring that developers who bear the cost of remediation are not competitively disadvantaged. Additionally, membership in RAS may soon become a prerequisite for tendering opportunities.
Developments for Subcontractors
As the number of cladding remediation projects has surged over the past few years, the role of subcontractors has become increasingly crucial. Benx Facades is uniquely positioned to meet these needs, with our extensive expertise, commitment to safety, and a history of successful cladding remediation projects.
At Benx, we share this dedication to excellence and safety in all our projects. Our extensive experience and commitment to high standards ensure that our clients receive the best possible service. Partnering with Benx means assured quality, reliability, and a proven track record in successful cladding remediation.