Overview
- Official data show more than 25,000 flats—about 50,000 residents—are awaiting approvals to start remediation, with decisions averaging roughly 30 weeks and some new-build approvals averaging 37 weeks earlier this year.
- Peers heard that rulings often take nine months or more, with individual cases cited at 62 to 66 weeks, far beyond the statutory 12-week limit.
- The committee warned the delays are inflating costs for leaseholders and endangering the target of 1.5 million new homes by 2029, with developers reporting stalled projects and higher financing bills.
- Residents described years-long disruption while cladding removal and urgent repairs wait for sign-off, and witnesses criticised scrutiny of minor Category B works for tying up scarce specialist teams.
- New leaders Andy Roe and Charlie Pugsley said they have reorganised the regulator and are on track to clear the backlog by December, as peers press for clearer guidance and expanded inspector training.