What's Happening?
The remediation of unsafe cladding on buildings in England is progressing slowly, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government. As of August 2025, only 35% of the 5,554 identified residential buildings over 11 meters in height have completed remediation work. An additional 750 buildings are currently undergoing remediation. The data also reveals that 340 more buildings were identified as needing safety work in August alone. The situation is more advanced for buildings with aluminum composite material (ACM) cladding, with 90% of the 511 high-rise buildings fully remediated. However, only 7% of buildings under the Cladding Safety Scheme have been remediated. Enforcement actions are being taken against 677 buildings with suspected unsafe cladding.
Why It's Important?
The slow pace of cladding remediation poses significant safety risks for residents living in affected buildings. The issue gained prominence following the Grenfell Tower fire, which highlighted the dangers of unsafe cladding. The ongoing delays in remediation efforts could lead to increased public concern and pressure on the government to expedite the process. The disparity in progress between different remediation programs suggests potential inefficiencies or resource allocation issues that need to be addressed. The situation also underscores the importance of regulatory oversight and enforcement to ensure building safety standards are met.
What's Next?
The government may face mounting pressure to accelerate remediation efforts and address the underlying causes of the delays. This could involve increased funding, streamlined processes, or enhanced collaboration with developers and housing associations. The enforcement actions against non-compliant buildings may lead to legal challenges or appeals, potentially complicating the remediation process. Stakeholders, including residents, advocacy groups, and policymakers, will likely continue to push for more transparent and effective solutions to ensure the safety of affected buildings.
