The Construction Products Association has formally written back to Secretary of State Michael Gove after the minister warned manufacturers against continued delays in agreeing to fund the Government’s plans to solve the cladding crisis.
Mr Gove has announced he has reached an agreement with developers to partly fund his building safety programme, although industry bodies have criticised the deal.
The CPA initially reacted with dismay to Mr Gove’s warning and claim that manufacturers need to do more as he believes that there has been no movement from the sector.
Now the CPA’s chief executive has “politely outlined” to him the positive and proactive approach the committee are taking and the need for assistance from Government to take an active lead in the remediation process.
In the latest letter, Peter Caplehorn writes: “I am personally and professionally disappointed that we have not been able to come up with an agreement.
“We have worked tirelessly to bring together the sector to design a suitable solution for everyone but with a real focus on helping homeowners and tenants within an appropriate timeframe. I would also like to draw your attention to the public announcements from several product manufacturers to the effect that they commit to replacing any defective products at their own cost. I believe this is substantially the same as that made by the housebuilders. Equally many manufacturers will be involved in the House Builder's Remediation programme, including the manufacturers who are already included in the programme. Therefore, we feel it is wrong to characterise the position of manufacturers as making excuses rather than taking action.”
He once again sets out the additional information the CPA has previously requested from the Government, particularly clear data on the scale of the programme that is being proposed, but which has still not been released. Without such information, the CPA maintains, it is unable to reach a suitable agreement.
The CPA has also set out proposals of its own which it says will help speed up the process and bring a genuine industry-wide agreement on building safety and remediation work.
This includes support for a wider remit of works to be considered – beyond cladding and insulation – to ensure that every one of the buildings in question is made fully safe for leaseholders.
“If this entire discussion around funding is to gain the support it requires, then both the Government and industry must be doing all they can to ensure that all building safety defects are addressed in any remediation programme,” the letter continues.
“We are keen to learn of the proposals you will be putting forward and we would like to offer any help and assistance at the appropriate time. We will now return our focus to the work on ensuring reform and cultural change across the industry for the benefit of homes in future and we look forward to working with you and your department to make that happen.”
