Wales has become the first country in the UK to confirm a route to remediation for all high-rise residential buildings affected by fire safety issues.
The commitment applies to all residential buildings of 11 metres or over in height and is not restricted to buildings with cladding.
Reforming building safety is a key part of the Welsh Government’s Cooperation Agreement with Plaid Cymru and a significant update was delivered by Climate Change Minister Julie James in the Senedd today (Tuesday November 28 2023). The commitment comes alongside confirmation the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors will publish updated cladding valuation guidance to include Wales.
Ten major UK developers have already signed the Welsh Government contract and major remediation works are already underway at sites including Aurora, Davids Wharf, Prospect Place and Century Wharf.
A further 34 buildings are estimated to start work in 2024.
The Minister also confirmed that the Welsh Building Safety Fund would continue to support developers and that the Welsh Government’s Orphan Building Scheme.
Orphan Buildings is the term for privately owned buildings where a developer is unknown or has ceased trading. The Welsh Government has identified an initial cohort of 31 buildings and work has already started in key sites including Kings Court in Newport.
It was also confirmed that additional social sector projects were to be taken forward, with a further £39m allocated. In total, 131 buildings social sector buildings will benefit from this fund.
From April 2024, the Welsh Government will restrict the oversight of new high-risk buildings to local authority building control, introducing a new class system for registered building inspectors.
This is to make sure only individuals who have the relevant skills, knowledge, and experience necessary are advising decision-makers.
There was also good news for leaseholders facing legal costs and Local Authority Building Control. The Minister said the Welsh Government would make independent legal advice available for leaseholders and that more details would follow in the new year.
For further information please select the following link All residential high-rise buildings in Wales on the route to remediation | GOV.WALES