All developers in Wales were invited to discuss their plans and timetables to repair fire safety issues in the buildings they helped to build. The invitation was extended to 47 developers in the first instance, including those who have committed to the UK Government’s building safety pledge.
Contracts issued to finalise cladding remediation
The Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Greg Clark MP, has sent out draft contracts to finalise pledges by major housebuilders to remediate and fund work to solve the UK’s cladding crisis.
41 replied and 27 confirmed they do not have any medium or high-rise buildings in Wales. Six developers, Laing O’Rourke, Westmark, Robertson, London Square, Weston Homes and Kier (now Tilia), have yet to provide assurances that either they do not have any medium or high-rise developments in Wales or, if they do, they are prepared to meet their responsibilities in respect of these developments. James has publicly called on these developers to provide the assurances required by the Welsh Government and leaseholders.
The details of the developers who are signing the pact will be published by the Welsh Government and officials will follow up with each of the developers on a one-to-one basis to undertake detailed discussions about the formal contractual commitments and a timescale for the work to be undertaken.
For those not willing to rectify fire safety issues in their buildings, James is prepared to use all levers at her disposal to ensure that developers commit to the remediation of their buildings where fire safety issues have been identified, or face consequences.
James has made it clear that leaseholders are not expected to bear the cost of repairing fire safety issues that are not of their making and developers to step up to their responsibilities.
