The Government has announced new grant funding for the remediation of unsafe cladding on residential buildings under 11 metres. Administered by Homes England through the Cladding Safety Scheme (CSS), the funding is intended to support the remediation of buildings where a Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls (FRAEW) identifies a sufficient level of risk.
For landlords/freeholders, property managers and other responsible entities, the application window is limited. Applications will be accepted from 17 August 2026 until 9 October 2026.
Funding for Under 11 Metre Buildings
The new policy recognises that the majority of residential buildings under 11 metres do not present significant external wall fire safety risks. As a result, funding will not be available automatically based on building height alone.
Instead, eligibility and funding priority will be determined by the findings of a Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls (FRAEW). Buildings identified as presenting a higher level of fire risk may be eligible for grant funding through the Cladding Safety Scheme.
Who Can Apply?
Applications must be submitted by the organisation responsible for the repair and maintenance of the building’s external walls. This will typically be the landlord/freeholder or management company with repairing and maintenance obligations.
Although leaseholders cannot submit applications directly, they may wish to notify the responsible party if they believe their building could be eligible.
Cladding Safety Scheme Application Process
Applications for buildings under 11 metres must be submitted through the Cladding Safety Scheme online portal during the published application period.
While applications can be prepared in advance, they will not be assessed before 17 August 2026.
It is important to note that previous correspondence with Homes England or the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), including the submission of supporting documents, does not constitute an application. A new application must be submitted through the Cladding Safety Scheme portal for funding to be considered.
Preparing an Application
Property managers and landlords/freeholders should begin preparing now to ensure applications can be submitted promptly once the application window opens. This should include:
• Confirming the organisation responsible for submitting the application.
• Reviewing the Cladding Safety Scheme guidance and eligibility requirements.
• Ensuring a CSS compliant FRAEW has been undertaken.
• Collating the documentation needed to support the application.
Given the limited application period, early preparation will help minimise delays and reduce the risk of missing the deadline.
How We Can Help
Eligibility is dependent on the specific fire safety risks identified in an FRAEW, and applications must be supported by the appropriate evidence.
If you own or manage a building with fire safety defects, Anjani Purohit can assist you in navigating the fire and building safety legislation and help you in making your building safer for its occupants. You can reach out on +44 (0)20 7704 3423 or through the contact form on our website.
