NHF response to committee report on building safety remediation and funding

Kate Henderson, Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation, said:

“We very much welcome this report from Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee, which builds on the recent announcement from the government to end cladding costs for leaseholders on buildings over 11m.

“Like the Committee, the National Housing Federation and our members agree that leaseholders need to be protected from costs, and that the impacts of the building safety crisis must not fall on social renters. If not-for-profit housing associations are wrongly left to pick up the bill, this will mean diverting funds away from services for tenants and building new homes.

“We are also pleased that the Committee calls for the Affordable Homes Programme to be protected. There are around 1.6 million families in need of a social home. Diverting money away from building affordable housing would make this problem even more acute.

“As ever when it comes to this crisis, speed, clarity and certainty are of the essence. We need urgent and decisive action and we sincerely hope the government implements the recommendations in this thorough and timely report.”