Written question WQ87665
- Asked by
- Janet Finch-SaundersConservative
- To be answered by
- Minister for Climate Change
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 9 days
Question
Will the Welsh Government refund leaseholders who have funded building safety remediation works on orphan buildings so as to comply with the EWS1 process?
Answer
Answered by Minister for Climate Change
I am pleased a number of developers have set aside funds to replace cladding and address other fire safety work on properties in Wales.
Although it is preferable that developers engage voluntarily, I have been clear that I will explore all options, including legislative reform and potentially placing prohibitions on development, to ensure developers step up to their responsibilities.
The route to accessing Welsh Government support continues to be through the Welsh Building Safety Fund. This remains open for Responsible Persons to complete an Expression of Interest. Currently, this does not include retrospective funding for works carried out independently of the fund.
I have already agreed to an initial cohort of orphan buildings, which will be remediated to test our approach and ensure that buildings are made as safe from fire risk as possible. The work to develop this has started and I will make a further announcement on the details shortly.