New government funding for unsafe cladding for buildings under 11 metres — what you need to know.
The government recently announced it is expanding the Cladding Safety Scheme to include funding for buildings under 11 metres.
The funding fulfils a commitment made in the July 2025 Remediation Acceleration Plan Update after the government identified a limited number of under 11m buildings still needing full cladding remediation. The scheme aims to prioritise properties based on the risk they pose to residents.
The funding applies to multi-occupied buildings under 11 metres with 2 or more dwellings, addressing life safety fire risks identified through a Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls (FRAEW). An initial 6-week lead-in period allows responsible entities to prepare, then an 8-week application window opens on 17th August 2026.
Cladding funding eligibility: costs covered, tenure rules, and who can apply
Unlike the Cladding Safety Scheme (CSS) for buildings over 11 metres, this funding is targeted — it's not a commitment to fund all medium or high-risk buildings under 11 metres. The same eligible and ineligible cost rules from the main CSS apply here too. The funding covers cladding removal, alternative mitigations like sprinklers, scaffolding, and labour and professional fees. It won't cover general maintenance, redecoration, or insurance.
Both privately owned and social housing buildings can apply on the same terms. However, if works had already started before 9th July 2026, the building is not eligible. Leaseholders or residents can't apply directly — the Responsible Entity, such as the freeholder or management company, must submit the application.
How property managers can apply for cladding funding
The responsible entity must prepare documentation and submit all information within an 8-week window from 17th August 2026. Applications will be processed in order of submission, and there is no early access so being ready to apply promptly after the window has opened is important — a FRAEW should be commissioned as soon as possible.
Homes England will review and audit all FRAEWs in line with existing Cladding Safety Scheme processes and PAS 9980:2022 methodology, to confirm that proposed cladding remediation works are necessary. You’ll have to show you’ve considered other cost-recovery routes such as insurance claims, developer contributions, and warranty schemes before applying.
The funding will be prioritised based on cladding fire safety risk. Buildings assessed as presenting a high cladding fire safety risk will be taken forward first.
Why choosing the right FRAEW consultant matters
The funding closes on 9th October, so , it's crucial to choose a trusted and competent fire consultancy when commissioning a survey. A FRAEW is only as good as the person carrying it out. Getting it wrong at the survey stage could delay any funding or, worse, miss a real safety risk.
Peak’s Technical Director, Kimon Spyrou, a Chartered Building Surveyor and Chartered Building Engineer, who specialises in FRAEWs, shares his advice:
“Choosing the right fire safety consultancy really isn't just a box-ticking exercise. It's a decision that affects life safety and your property's value, and should be taken seriously by the consultants undertaking the instruction.
All buildings are different - when you're commissioning a FRAEW, look for a firm that can demonstrate their competence and don’t be afraid to push back if you need more assurance.
Good advice now saves you costly headaches later and gives you real confidence your building is safe and any works are proportionate. If you are applying for the CSS funding, working with the right partner is critical for getting your application through the funding process without delays.”
At Peak, we offer independent risk-proportionate advice. If you're preparing to apply for this funding and need a FRAEW carried out, contact our team today.
