Will the Minister state how much money the Welsh Government has awarded for cladding remediation at local authority owned properties in Wales since 14 June 2017?
A budget of £375m has been provided over three years (2022-3 to 2024-5) to fund remediation work. In Wales, this is not limited to buildings with cladding, but also looks at internal fire safety issues, including compartmentation and fire suppression systems.
Our spending forecast for remediation and repair work in 2022-23 is £75m.
I expect developers to step up to their responsibilities in matters of fire safety, irrespective of sector. We are working with major developers to ensure the formal legal documentation underpinning the Developer’s Pact is signed, which will ensure works are carried out as quickly as possible. I will also explore all options for reimbursement.
Local authorities and housing associations have to make formal applications for grant funding. Some applicants have also requested funding for surveys as part of the application.
Since 14 June 2017, we have awarded £24m to the social sector, including £8.7m for cladding remediation works.
Since 14 June 2017, we have awarded £14.5m to local authorities for fire safety works.
We have also received applications for £15.6m from local authorities, of which £15m relates to cladding; and £24.2m, of which £15.6m is in respect of cladding remediation from social housing landlords for 2022-23.
£1.9m of grant funding has been provided to Cardiff Community Housing Association for cladding remediation of Aquilla House, Cardiff Bay.