Legal deadline confirmed: Unsafe Cladding Remediation

Last week the UK Government set a statutory deadline for the removal of unsafe cladding from high-rise buildings in England – a decisive development in the long running post Grenfell building safety reforms.

Here's what you need to know about the new legislation introduced via the Remediation Acceleration Plan.

Firm, legally binding deadlines

Under the new legislation:

• Buildings that are 18m + must be fully remediated by the end of 2029

• Buildings of 11 - 18m must have remediation completed by the end of 2031

Strong enforcement powers

Strict deadlines have been set for landlords to fix unsafe cladding or face the consequences.

• Failure to comply, without reasonable cause, could lead to unlimited fines or imprisonment for landlords of buildings with unsafe cladding who fail to remediate their properties by the specified deadlines.

• Government agencies such as local authorities are empowered to step in and complete remediation if landlords fail to act

• Enforcement is backed by over £1 billion in funding.

Building Safety Levy

• A new levy (effective October 2026) is projected to raise more than £3.4 billion over the next decade to help fund this work.

What this means

• Landlords and developers – it is time to reassess potential liabilities, secure funding and fast track remediation plans.

• Tenants and residents – this signals real progress; less financial burden, better protections, and clearer timelines.

• Investors and housing associations – ensures risk is managed and building safety is elevated to a regulatory priority.

Our thoughts

This marks a new phase, and delay is now a legal risk. While the legislation is not yet in force, it will be brought forward as soon as parliamentary timetable allows.

If you require any assistance with regard to building safety please contact Dickon Court, Lee Ward or Chloe Wood in our Contentious Construction team.