Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 26
26
Not Addressed
Code of Practice for resident communication during remediation shows inconsistent practice and limited awareness
Conclusion
In 2023, MHCLG launched a Code of Practice to support improved communications during remediation. The HBF and the NHF told us that developers and social housing providers had agreed to follow the code. EOCS told us the code was “a long time coming” and had been heavily revised at the last minute. It told us that information on routes to recourse —where residents can go if the contractor is not doing what they need to on–site—had been taken out. EOCS told us due care was not always given to safety on building sites during remediation works and said that the fire on a construction site in Dagenham in August 2024 had been the first serious demonstration of the risks to residents when there is not enough care about safety. EOCS described inconsistent practice of the code, no real oversight, queried whether it was mandatory or advisory and highlighted a lack of awareness of the code among people they speak to.45
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the observation but commits to providing annual written updates to the Committee on the overall progress of building remediation until Summer 2029. This response does not specifically address the concerns raised in the conclusion about the Code of Practice, such as inconsistent practice or lack of oversight.
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
3.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Summer 2025 3.2 The government will write to the Committee annually from Summer 2025, until Summer 2029 when, in alignment with the RAP, all 18m+ buildings with unsafe cladding in government-funded schemes will be remediated, and every 11m+ building will either be remediated, have a completion date, or landlords will face severe penalties.