Government to fund removal of unsafe cladding

The government has announced it will pay to replace dangerous cladding on a block of flats.

Leaseholders of 29 flats at Churchmans House in Portman Road in Ipswich have been told the building qualifies under the cladding safety scheme (CSS).

The news comes after Ipswich MP Jack Abbott called on the Labour government to fund remediation works and protect leaseholders at the building.

However, funding has not been secured to deal with construction defects and a lack of fire barriers within Churchmans House, despite a report finding the building's fire risk was "high and not tolerable".

Cowan Architects' report in March said, in addition to combustible cladding, the construction was "concerning", with no fire protection around the structural steelwork and a lack of cavity barriers.

It added there was an increased risk of unseen spread of fire and/or smoke in voids behind the windows and cladding.

Chu Man from the Churchmans House Residents Management Company said the development was "an important milestone".

He said: "After years of uncertainty, it is great news the government will make funding available for external walls, part of the remediation work at Churchmans, the cost of which will not fall onto leaseholders."

Churchmans, a former cigarette factory, was converted to housing by the same developers that built Cardinal Lofts.

Labour MP Abbott said: "I am pleased that the minister has now confirmed with me that Churchmans House is fully eligible for government funding to fix external cladding, and that extra pre-tender support payment will be made available.

"This is a crucial step forward for leaseholders at Churchmans House, who today are a step closer to justice and normality.

"I will continue to work proactively and constructively with local residents and the government to ensure the pledges made in the wake of the Grenfell Inquiry are practicably enforced as swiftly as possible."

The minister also confirmed that "no contribution from leaseholders will be sought for eligible works".

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