Hold a full and independent inquiry into the cladding and fire safety scandal

Figures suggest 1.9 million leaseholders are now considered "mortgage prisoners". Government blames builders, builders blame building regulation, inspectors blame builders. Innocent leaseholders have a right to know who was responsible for one of the greatest building scandals in UK history.

Leaseholder law means leaseholders face crippling waking watch building insurance costs. They must also pay towards cladding, missing fire breaks, faulty fire doors etc. Having bought apartments in good faith, following correct legal process, they face ruinous costs through no making of their own.

Mental stress, depression and unable to sell, lives have been put on hold and their personal stories are heartbreaking.

They deserve a full and independent inquiry into how this happened.

The Building Safety Bill requires an independent reviewer to consider the effectiveness of the building and construction products regulatory regimes. The Secretary of State can direct the reviewer to consider particular issues, which could include how the historic system went wrong, and whether the new system has resolved the prior issues. The Secretary of State must appoint this person within five years of the Bill receiving Royal Assent and within five years of the previous appointment thereafter.

The clause does not specify with whom the reviewer must consult when conducting the review, allowing them to consult widely around matters connected to the broadly stated terms. The independent reviewer may choose to accept evidence from any interested party.

The Bill is legislating to put right the systemic faults identified in Dame Judith Hackitt’s Independent Review into Fire and Building Safety and will create a more accountable system. The Bill improves protections for leaseholders by legally requiring building owners to prove they have tried all routes to cover the cost of essential safety works before passing them onto leaseholders.

Those responsible for shoddy workmanship that has caused homes to be unsafe, bear the responsibility to put those problems right. While some parts of industry have done the right thing and funded the remediation of serious defects, too many are seeking to avoid their responsibilities. That is why we are taking action to extend legal rights to redress for shoddy workmanship. The changes we are making will enhance the ability of building owners, homeowners, and leaseholders to seek compensation for defective work carried out on their properties.