Michael Gove to offer ultimatum over-cladding row

MICHAEL GOVE is ready to serve a blacklisting order on a major construction company for failing to adhere to cladding rules.

The leveling-up and housing minister is expected to tell Galliard Homes that the firm faces punitive action for failing to address unsafe cladding on buildings identical to the ill-fated Grenfell Tower. Unless prompt action is taken, the company’s future planning applications and building permissions may be denied.

Galliard Homes has declined to join a £2 billion fund set up to repair such buildings across England.

So far, 35 additional homebuilding companies have joined the scheme.

An internal Government document says the first step will be to “begin advising consumers formally” not to buy off-plan or new-build properties from Galliard where the process of obtaining planning permission has not begun.

The memo says that failing to notify prospective buyers of the risks would be “irresponsible,” as Mr Gove may prevent Galliard from obtaining building approval or planning consent for additional developments.

Additionally, the housing secretary is expected to propose an additional £3 billion in funding over the next decade via a so-called “building safety tax” levied on development sites requiring building control approval.

Under the new powers, the Government will be able to halt the construction of new dwellings if developers fail to comply with the instructions.

The funding will be used to replace the cladding on hundreds of mid-rise buildings ranging in height from 11 metres (36ft) to 18 meters (59ft).

The idea will replace an existing scheme under which leaseholders now pay £50 per month toward the cost of repairing their buildings.

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