Partner London
The UK Government has announced a sweeping set of reforms aimed at accelerating the remediation of unsafe cladding across residential buildings, particularly in the social housing sector. Central to this initiative is the forthcoming Remediation Bill, which will impose a statutory legal duty to remediate on landlords, backed by strict deadlines and criminal sanctions for non-compliance. The measures are part of the Remediation Acceleration Plan (“RAP”), which builds on post-Grenfell commitments and introduces new enforcement powers, funding mechanisms and regulatory oversight.
For UK contractors, these developments signal a significant shift in the remediation landscape. The introduction of hard deadlines, enhanced funding access and streamlined regulatory processes will likely increase demand for qualified remediation services. Contractors involved in historic and current projects must prepare for heightened scrutiny, tighter timelines and greater collaboration with landlords, developers and regulators. This update outlines the key legal and practical changes and explores their implications for the construction and infrastructure sector.
"The tragic fire at Grenfell Tower in 2017 exposed systemic failures in building safety."
Historic Events
The tragic fire at Grenfell Tower in 2017 exposed systemic failures in building safety, particularly concerning the use of combustible cladding. In the years following, government efforts to remediate affected buildings were slow and fragmented. By late 2024, only 1,436 of the 4,834 buildings identified as unsafe had been remediated. The RAP, published in December 2024, marked a turning point, setting out clear objectives: to fix buildings faster; identify all buildings over 11 metres with unsafe cladding; and support residents throughout the process.
The RAP introduced a new framework for remediation, including deadlines for completion, enhanced funding schemes and the establishment of a National Remediation System to track progress. In July 2025, the government published an update to the RAP, announcing the forthcoming Remediation Bill, a new joint plan with social landlords, and over £1bn in new funding to support remediation in the social housing sector.
Key Issues: Removal of Cladding and Remediation Steps
The central legal reform is the introduction of a legal duty to remediate, which will require landlords to complete cladding remediation by fixed deadlines:
- by the end of 2029 for buildings 18 metres or more in height; and
- by the end of 2031 for buildings between 11 and 18 metres.
Failure to comply without reasonable excuse will constitute a criminal offence, punishable by unlimited fines and/or imprisonment. The Remediation Bill will also make it an offence to obstruct remediation efforts, with financial penalties for any party hindering progress.
"The Remediation Bill will also make it an offence to obstruct remediation efforts."
To enforce these duties, the government will empower Homes England and local authorities with ‘Remediation Backstop’ powers, allowing them to carry out works directly and recover costs through enforced sales if landlords fail to act. A new Remediation Enforcement Unit within the Building Safety Regulator (“BSR”) will oversee enforcement, supported by increased funding and staffing.
The RAP also addresses barriers to remediation, including disputes over access, scope of works and contractual arrangements. The government intends to legislate for stronger sanctions and clearer enforcement mechanisms, including Remediation Orders and Remediation Contribution Orders, which can compel landlords to act and secure funding from responsible parties.
To support identification of unsafe buildings, the government has launched a national identification drive, reviewing over 212,000 Ordnance Survey records and establishing the National Remediation System as a single source of reference for buildings over 11 metres. This system will integrate data from local authorities, fire services and housing providers, enabling better coordination and accountability.
Implications for UK Contractors
The reforms present both opportunities and challenges for UK contractors. The acceleration of remediation works, backed by legal mandates and funding, will likely result in a surge in demand for qualified contractors, particularly those with expertise in facade remediation and fire safety.
Contractors should be aware of the following implications:
"The reforms present both opportunities and challenges for UK contractors."
- increased workload and timelines: with statutory deadlines now in place, contractors will be expected to deliver remediation projects within tighter timeframes. Delays caused by disputes or capacity issues could attract sanction;
- enhanced regulatory oversight: contractors working on remediation projects will be subject to greater scrutiny, including audits of fire risk assessments and compliance with the Code of Practice for the Remediation of Residential Buildings. The government plans to tighten standards for Fire Risk Appraisals of External Walls (“FRAEWs”), requiring adherence to the PAS 9980 framework and approved assessor qualifications;
- funding and procurement opportunities: the expansion of the Cladding Safety Scheme (“CSS”) and equal access to funding for social landlords will unlock new projects. Contractors should engage with Homes England and local authorities to understand procurement pipelines and eligibility criteria. The publication of Unit Cost Analysis will aid in pricing transparency and competitive bidding;
- skills and capacity development: to address supply chain constraints, the Construction Industry Training Board (“CITB2) is launching a Rainscreen Facade Installer Training programme, and facade installers have been added to the Temporary Shortage Occupation List to boost workforce capacity. Contractors should invest in training and recruitment to meet rising demand;
- historic projects and liability: contractors involved in the development or refurbishment of buildings with unsafe cladding may face retrospective scrutiny. The government is pursuing cost recovery from developers and product manufacturers, and contractors may be drawn into disputes or enforcement actions. It is essential to review historic project records, contractual obligations, and insurance coverage;
- collaboration and mediation: the RAP encourages out-of-court resolution of disputes between landlords, developers and contractors. Contractors should be prepared to engage in mediation and demonstrate good faith efforts to resolve issues delaying remediation; and
- resident engagement and communication: contractors must adhere to the Code of Practice, ensuring that residents are informed and supported throughout remediation works. This includes providing health and safety information, minimising disruption and facilitating access to comfort letters for lenders and insurers.
"The construction industry has a critical role to play in delivering remediation."
Conclusion
The government’s renewed focus on cladding remediation marks a decisive shift in building safety policy. For UK contractors, the introduction of legal duties, enforcement powers and funding reforms presents a complex but potentially rewarding landscape. Those who can demonstrate competence, capacity and compliance will be well-positioned to contribute to the national effort to make homes safe and restore public confidence in the built environment.
Contractors should act now to assess their readiness, engage with stakeholders and align their operations with the RAP’s objectives. The construction industry has a critical role to play in delivering remediation at pace and the consequences of inaction – both legal and reputational – are now more severe than ever.
