Owners of high-rise buildings with unsafe cladding in England can now apply for funding to meet the costs of making their properties safe.

The Government originally announced the Building Safety Fund in the Budget on 11 March 2020, to fund the remediation of cladding on high-rise residential buildings over 17.7 metres tall in England.

The objectives of the Fund are that:

• The historical life safety fire risks associated with cladding on high-rise residential buildings are addressed quickly and proportionately so that residents in those homes are safe.
• Leaseholder and resident communication and engagement on the project is effective.
• Projects are delivered on time and to budget.
• Cost recovery from those responsible.

The Fund has now reopened for eligible buildings without a funding solution in place where a Fire Risk Appraisal of External Wall construction (FRAEW) can be provided which recommends that work to address life safety fire risks associated with cladding, or alternative mitigation work is required.

The programme has an overall value of £4.5 billion. The following types of funding are available: Pre-Tender Support funding, where requested; and Full Cost funding. Funding levels for individual projects have not been stated.

The Fund is open to applications from Responsible Entities of private or social sector buildings in England that are 18 meters or above, with a 30 centimetre tolerance. Buildings must have at least one qualifying residential leaseholder (with exception of social sector landlords applying due to financial viability concerns). They must currently have cladding, as defined in the PAS9980:2022.

The deadline for new applications is 1 January 2025.

How To Apply

The Fund is currently open for the remediation of fire risks associated with cladding in high rise buildings (England only). The deadline for new applications is 1 January 2025.

For more information, visit the UK Government website.