You are viewing 1 of your 1 free articles
Major developers agree legally binding pledge to fix fire safety issues in Wales
The Welsh government has unveiled new wide-ranging efforts to tackle building safety amid a new legally binding commitment by major developers to fix problem blocks.
Today, five firms have signed the legally binding element of the previously announced developers pact, committing them to address life-critical fire safety issues on medium and high-rise buildings they have developed over the past 30 years across Wales.
It is similar to the developers pledge in England.
Redrow, Persimmon, McCarthy Stone, Lovell and Vistry/Countryside have all signed the new legally binding element of the Welsh agreement.
Three other firms plan to sign, these are Taylor Wimpey, Crest Nicholson and Barratt.
In October last year, all the companies signed the Developers Pact, which signalled an intention to carry out remediation work.
However, the agreement today was the legally binding element of the pact.
READ MORE
The devolved administration also announced today plans for a £20m loan scheme to help developers remediate at-risk buildings 11 metres or taller. However, the five-year interest-free loans will only be offered to firms that have signed the new developers pact.
In addition, the Welsh government said it is making £40m available to fix 38 social housing buildings. So far, 26 social housing buildings have been remediated and 41 have seen work start.
The administration also committed to step in to fix an initial raft of 28 privately owned ‘orphan’ buildings – this is where the developer is unknown or has ceased trading.
Leaseholders also received a potential boost as the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has agreed to extend guidance to valuers in Wales, as well as England, aimed at allowing owners to access mortgages.
Climate change minister Julie James branded it an “ambitious programme” aimed at ensuring residents “can feel safe and secure in their homes”.
She said: “I have always maintained the position that the industry should step up to their responsibilities in matters of fire safety.
“Developers should put right fire safety faults at their own cost or risk their professional reputation and their ability to operate in Wales in future.
“I am pleased that today developers have done the right thing and committed to remediate fire safety works on medium and high-rise buildings across Wales.”
Campaigners have previously criticised the Welsh government over what they see as a lack of urgency from the administration in tackling building safety issues.
Concerns were also raised when Ms James drew a distinction between social housing tenants and private residents in unsafe buildings in a speech last week.
The minister said the government has an “overriding duty” to people in social housing, as a property was “not a private investment for them”.
Sign up for our Wales newsletter
New to Inside Housing? Click here to register and receive our Wales round-up straight to your inbox
Already have an account? Click here to manage your newsletters
