The Housing (Cladding Remediation) (Scotland) Act 2024 represents the most significant change to building safety legislation in Scotland in years. This comprehensive Scotland cladding legislation introduces mandatory requirements that directly affect thousands of building owners across the country. However, unlike most building regulations, this Act also provides funding to help owners pay for remediation works.
If you own or manage a building over 11 metres in height (measured from ground level to the uppermost habitable floor level), it’s important that you understand how cladding can compromise the safety of your building. With government funding currently available to resolve these safety issues, and over 13,000 eligible buildings, it’s important to act fast to secure your grant.
Overview of the Housing Cladding Remediation Scotland Act 2024
The Housing (Cladding Remediation) (Scotland) Act 2024 was introduced following extensive consultation and analysis of building safety risks across Scotland. The legislation specifically addresses fire safety concerns related to external wall cladding systems on residential buildings in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017.
Key Legislative Objectives:
- Ensure comprehensive assessment of cladding fire risks
- Mandate remediation of unsafe building systems
- Establish clear accountability for building owners
- Create standardised safety assessment procedures
- Protect residents and occupants from fire safety risks
Building Eligibility Criteria
To be within the scope of the Housing (Cladding Remediation) (Scotland) Act 2024, a building must meet all of the following criteria:
- Must be a flatted, residential building
- Must have an external wall system (i.e., cladding)
- Must be 11 metres or more in height (measured from ground level to the uppermost habitable floor level)
- Must have been constructed or developed between 1 June 1992 and 1 June 2022
The Act primarily applies to flatted, residential buildings that meet these specific criteria. This encompasses apartment blocks, student accommodation, and some mixed-use buildings with residential units above commercial premises, provided they meet all the eligibility requirements.
Building owners, property managers, and mixed-use building owners bear primary responsibility for compliance. This includes individual landlords, property companies, housing associations, and resident-owned buildings. The legislation applies throughout Scotland.
Single Building Assessment (SBA) Requirement
All covered buildings must undergo comprehensive Single Building Assessment conducted by competent fire safety professionals. The assessment must evaluate external wall systems, cladding materials, and associated fire risks.
The SBA process includes both a Fire Risk Assessment for External Walls (FRAEW) and a full Fire Risk Assessment (FRA). It’s important to note that if your building has an existing FRA, this will not suffice for compliance under the Act – a new FRA must be created as part of the SBA process to ensure comprehensive evaluation of all fire safety risks.
Assessments must be completed by certified fire engineers meeting government-specified competency requirements. Self-assessment or unqualified evaluation does not count.
Compliant buildings must be registered on the official Cladding Assurance Register. This public register demonstrates legal compliance and building safety status.
SBA and Cladding Remediation Timeline
The Scottish Government has set 2029 as the target year for completing assessments and remediation of all high-risk buildings. While this may seem distant, the practical timeline is much shorter due to application processing and contractor availability.
Funding applications through the Single Open Call system have rolling deadlines, but early application is strongly recommended as, with so many buildings eligible for grants, funding may become limited as 2029 approaches.
How to Secure Your Funding
- Building owners and managers should begin by conducting a preliminary assessment to determine if their building falls within the Act’s scope. Consider building height, construction date (must be between 1st June 1992 and 1st June 2022), and cladding materials.
- Gather available building documentation, including construction drawings, previous fire safety assessments, and insurance policies.
- The complexity of the Housing Cladding Remediation Scotland Act 2024 makes professional support essential for most building owners. Engage certified fire safety professionals to assess compliance requirements and recommend appropriate action.
Global HSE specialises in Housing Cladding Remediation Scotland Act compliance and government funding applications. Our Scotland-based certified fire engineers understand all the legal requirements and can guide you through the funding application process.
Our experts will assess your building against the Housing Cladding Remediation Scotland Act 2024 criteria and handle everything from eligibility checks to remediation works – all at no cost to you. With government targets looming and substantial funding available, there’s never been a better time to ensure your building is safe.
Get in touch today and take the first step toward securing government funding.
Phone: 0115 989 9800
Email: sales@globalhsegroup.com
