The EWS form aimed at solving the cladding and mortgage crisis has not had the desired impact. When then-housing secretary James Brokenshire announced a ban on combustible materials in new high rises in 2018, little did he know the effect it would have on sales across the country.
The implication for new build was clear enough, but the more difficult question was: what did it mean for the tens of thousands of blocks around the country which have already been built and contain combustible materials in their walls?
Within weeks, ‘Advice Note 14’ was published, the official government note that told building owners to check cladding systems and carry out work to make them safe if necessary. Charis Beverton comments in an article featured in Inside Housing.