Khan tells 51 landlords cladding remediation delays are ‘unacceptable’

London mayor Sadiq Khan has written to 51 residential building owners and landlords in response to “unacceptable” delays in removing dangerous cladding. He has demanded they begin work to remove aluminium composite materials cladding immediately. The letter has been sent to 47 private building owners and four social landlords that have received funding approval but have not yet started work, urging action given that thousands of residents are living in unsafe buildings. The government has set up two funds for cladding remediation – a £400m fund for social landlords established in May 2018 and £200m for the private sector a year later. The Greater London Authority is responsible for administering funds in the capital. Khan wrote: “More than three years after the tragic fire at Grenfell Tower, I am deeply worried to see the number of buildings in London that still have unsafe aluminium composite materials (ACM) cladding. “Given the high risk that unsafe ACM presents to residents and visitors, it is unacceptable that remediating buildings is taking so long.” The mayor said landlords must provide GLA case workers with a written update on remediation plans, with milestones and cost estimates, and added that providing residents with a date of completion was vital. He said: “I therefore urge you to take all the necessary steps to accelerate your plans to remove and replace unsafe ACM cladding and keep residents and the GLA updated.” To send feedback, e-mail emma.rosser@egi.co.uk or tweet @EmmaARosser or @estatesgazette