Luke Pollard MP Member of Parliament for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport
On Wednesday 10 February, the Government’s Housing Secretary announced that people who live in low-rise buildings with dangerous cladding will not be eligible for extra cash to fund its removal.
This is a completely inadequate use of Government spending and a crushing blow to hundreds of leaseholders across Plymouth.
Alongside Plymouth Labour councillors, Luke has successfully campaigned to remove the flammable cladding on the Mount Wise Tower Blocks. He has also written to Government minsters to ask for their reassurances that leaseholders are not solely forced to shoulder the burden of the cost of repairs. He has so far received no response.
Commenting on the matter, Luke said:
“This latest announcement on cladding is wholly inadequate.
“I remain concerned that leaseholders, especially in buildings that aren’t classed as high-rises, will still be liable for considerable costs to make their buildings safe. I am not convinced that this announcement adequately deals with the issues I have raised on behalf of Plymouth residents.
“I am still awaiting a response from Ministers on how this is going to be addressed. When leaseholders in Plymouth are being faced with bills of tens of thousands of pounds there needs to be a greater urgency from Government to address the whole issues, not just some of it.”