G15 responds to consultation on alternative cost recovery for remediation works

The G15 has responded to the Government's consultation on alternative cost recovery for remediation works. The consultation sought views on proposals to create a requirement for landlords to take reasonable steps to ensure that all alternative cost recovery means for remediation works are explored before costs are passed on to leaseholders.

In our response, the G15 reiterated that the safety and wellbeing of our residents is our highest priority and that the tragic events at Grenfell Tower in 2017 must never be allowed to happen again.

At least £3.6bn has been earmarked by G15 members for remediation works for the period 2021 - 2036. Alongside this funding, we are continuing to diligently and rigorously pursuing contractors and developers to recover costs where it is possible to do so, as well as applying for Government funding where it is available.

Cost recovery from leaseholders will only ever be an absolute last resort.

The G15 is broadly supportive of the Government's proposals. However, we are concerned by the proposals to require housing associations to demonstrate that “all reasonable steps have been taken to recover costs from other parties” when applying for Government grants.

This risks delaying remediation work – potentially for years – as providers gather the necessary evidence to demonstrate their efforts. This also risks leading to increasing costs for providers and greater uncertainty for both landlords and residents as we await the outcome of our applications for an extended period of time.

You can read the full G15 response to the consultation below.