Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 36
36
Accepted in Part
MHCLG's building remediation number estimates remain outdated and highly questionable.
Recommendation
In written evidence, the Home Builders’ Federation (HBF) was very sceptical about the basis of MHCLG’s estimates of building numbers and the lack of any updates. It told us that MHCLG’s estimate of the likely number of buildings in need of remediation was based on assumptions that were “long outdated and highly questionable”. EOCS also highlighted the importance of collating data on the remaining buildings in need of remediation, without which it described MHCLG’s Remediation Acceleration Plan as “a plan to make a plan.” 61
Government Response Summary
The government agrees and will publish the latest building number estimates by summer, but the timing for publishing cost and works completion dates depends on the forthcoming Spending Review.
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
5.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Summer 2025 5.2 The government will publish latest building number estimates by the summer. The exact timing of publication of estimates of costs and works completion dates, however, will depend on the outcome of the forthcoming Spending Review. A firmer publication timeline can be provided once this is known. 5.3 The government welcomes the review by Paul Morrell OBE and Anneliese Day KC. Their review maps out the existing system, identifies weaknesses, and sets out recommendations for addressing these where they considered it appropriate. It makes clear this is a complex area in need of reform. The Construction Products Reform Green Paper, published on 26 February 2025, is the government’s direct response to the review and signals its commitment for comprehensive proposals for system wide reforms to the construction products regime to give consumers confidence and underpin supply chains and housing delivery.