Part of 2. Questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Local Government and Public Services – in the Senedd at 2:46 pm on 3 October 2018.
Well, I would start off by saying that Welsh Government fundamentally disagrees with your assertion that it should be the leaseholders who pay for this. Welsh Government is clear, and has been clear throughout, that, actually, it's the building developers who should be responsible for the remediation work. And that's why I met with all of the developers and managing agents of the private sector high-rise buildings in Wales to ask them about their plans to remediate the ACM cladding issues, and to also make clear again the Welsh Government's position on funding this work—that we don't want to see the leaseholders left to pick up the bill. So, I'm pleased to report and see progress on two of the buildings, where work is either complete, pending certification or at an advanced stage and is anticipated to be finalised next month.
I also understand that further tests have been commissioned on ACM at a further two buildings, and, again, this is because we have a good relationship and a casework approach—we're being kept very up to date on progress there.
But I am frustrated, though, that, whilst plans have been drawn up to replace cladding on the remaining buildings, which are under one developer, action to do so isn't yet in place, and this is because of the financial complexities and the interplay between those interested parties. But, again, safety must come first and we've been very clear with them that we expect to see action soon. If there's not action taken soon, then, of course, Welsh Government will continue to liaise with the developers, but also with the relevant council and fire and rescue service on these matters, who do have significant enforcement powers should they be concerned about the safety of the residents.