Sheffield Council condemns 'continued broken promises' from government on dangerous cladding

Sheffield Council has called for firm action from the government following “continued broken promises” on cladding safety.
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Councillor Bob Johnson, leader of the council, and councillor Paul Wood, cabinet member for safety, said a £3.5 billion government fund for the removal and replacement of dangerous cladding over 18 metres “isn’t good enough” and leaves many in Sheffield facing financially “crippling” bills.

They said: “Lack of proper action from government over covering the costs has affected Sheffield residents. Many will have bought their property in good faith, only to face both the immediate cost of having to fund ‘waking watches’, as well as not knowing whether they will one day be confronted by a financially crippling bill from their building owner for remedial works.

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“It would be distressing to see anyone held to ransom in this way at any time, but it is even more concerning given the current economic uncertainty and pandemic. Whilst all of this hangs over them, owners in these tower blocks have no chance of selling their flats and it is not hard to imagine the impact this must be having on the mental wellbeing of the individuals affected.

Dangerous cladding was found on Hanover Tower in Sheffield.Dangerous cladding was found on Hanover Tower in Sheffield.
Dangerous cladding was found on Hanover Tower in Sheffield.

"Sheffield Council believes it is time for firm action from the government rather than continued broken promises, to avoid a repeat of the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

"The recent announcement is a small step forward, but does not provide the support needed to deal with all the safety problems faced in high-rise homes, including those that relate to non-ACM cladding - such as Sheffield buildings like Metis and Wicker Riverside

"Furthermore, there is no real help for buildings with other safety issues or buildings under 18m.

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"This isn’t good enough - the government must come forward with proposals for comprehensive remediation for safety issues and all buildings, at no cost to leaseholders."

Bob Johnson, leader of Sheffield City Council.Bob Johnson, leader of Sheffield City Council.
Bob Johnson, leader of Sheffield City Council.

The funding announcement was made by Robert Jenrick, housing secretary, in Parliament who said it was the “largest ever government investment” in building safety.

It comes as many thousands of flat-owners face huge bills for fire-safety improvements brought in after the Grenfell Tower disaster.

Mr Jenrick also announced a new levy on developers of future high rises to cover the cost of grants, a separate new tax on residential property developments in the UK from 2022 and that owners of flats in lower-rise blocks would have to access loans to replace unsafe cladding but would not have to pay more than £50 a month for them.

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Councillors Johnson and Wood said locally the council was doing what it could for its tenants in high-rises and will invest in further health and safety measures over the next five years as part of a £500 million injection.

Councillor Paul Wood, cabinet member for safety.Councillor Paul Wood, cabinet member for safety.
Councillor Paul Wood, cabinet member for safety.

They added: "But far more needs to be done for those in private blocks – and Labour councillors are supporting the campaign to ‘End Our Cladding Scandal’ to demand that government leads a national effort to ensure safety in all tower blocks, with the prioritisation of those blocks most at risk."

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We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.