Flat owners could finally get unsafe cladding fixed as new fund opens TODAY – are you eligible to claim?

RESIDENTS living in flats could finally get unsafe cladding removed after a Government fund opened today. Hundreds of thousands of residents are still living in flats with unsafe cladding, after the Grenfell Tower fire killed 72 people nine years ago. Defective cladding poses a dangerous fire risk and the Government had previously set aside funding to help those living in buildings taller than 11 metres. Now it has pledged £60million to help remove cladding from buildings under 11 metres tall. Sign up for the Money newsletter Thank you! Applications for the funding open today. Buildings with the greatest fire risk will be prioritised for the financial help. Residents living in buildings covered in unsafe cladding say they have been quoted tens of thousands of pounds each to fix the issue. The latest data suggests nearly 540,000 residents live in flats with unsafe cladding in buildings taller than 11 metres. Only about a quarter of those buildings have been fixed, according to data from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. There is no official data on buildings below 11 metres. Most read in Money Nathan Emerson, chief executive of Propertymark, said: “No resident should have to live with uncertainty over their safety or face barriers to resolving these issues. “For many, cladding problems have led to years of anxiety, costly remediation work and stalled property sales, preventing people from moving when they need or want to.” How can I apply? Hundreds of thousands of residents are still living in homes with unsafe cladding Credit: Andrew Styczynski Applications can be made for funding if you live in a residential building that has at least two or more households. The building must be under 11 metres and an assessment must show replacing the cladding is “necessary” and “proportionate”. If you’re a resident but you don’t own the building, you won’t be able to apply directly. The managing agent for your building will be responsible for applying for the funding. If you think your building is eligible, you could reach out to your managing agent to check they are applying. You can also use the Tell Us Tool on the Government website to share information with Homes England about unsafe cladding, previous fire safety assessments, known concerns and the impact on residents. Homes England might then follow up with the managing agent to make sure an application is submitted if needed. If you’re a leaseholder or resident who needs independent advice, you can contact The Leasehold Advisory Service. It can provide provides guidance on leaseholder and resident rights and responsibilities, including building safety and remediation issues. Comment now