Today I pressed the Government to support residents of Metis Tower on West Bar and similar blocks around the country where work to replace combustible cladding is being delayed by freeholders and developers not accepting responsibility.

I took the issue up after being contacted by residents, one of whom said “I’m a first-time buyer stuck with a property covered in failed cladding. The freeholder is denying responsibility and the developers have ceased trading. I’m currently living out a nightmare and facing financial ruin.”

Residents who own flats in buildings like Metis Tower are facing unaffordable bills to replace the cladding or see no action taken to secure their safety.  Speaking in a parliamentary debate on fire safety, I urged the Minister Kit Malthouse to take responsibility for the situation.

I drew the comparison with faulty domestic products, which manufacturers recall and make safe at their cost, and said the same should apply to buildings. I urged the Government to ensure that developers and freeholders take action and pay the costs, and if the law isn’t up to the task, we need to change the law.

My full speech can be watched here.