Cambridge leaseholders in apartments with cladding were struck another blow as the Government overturned an amendment to the Fire Safety Bill which would have stopped residents from having to pay to remove dangerous cladding.  (yesterday evening, 22/3)

The plan was for the Government to put up the cash upfront and then impose a levy on cladding producers and developers to recoup the costs.

While the measures were backed by Labour MPs including Daniel Zeichner, only 29 Conservatives voted for the plan and the vote was lost. Both Anthony Browne and Lucy Frazer voted against.

Now hundreds of Cambridge residents who live in blocks of flats with cladding that are shorter than 18m, such as on the Kaleidoscope development, look set to be compelled to take out loans.

Daniel Zeichner MP who recently held a well attended public meeting with Cambridge residents living in buildings with cladding said: “This was another chance for the Government to act to help local people who through no fault of their own are trapped in flats they can’t sell, and being faced with mounting costs. This was a good plan which would have meant those who caused the problem paid the price. Instead, Conservative MPs have once again broken their promise to protect leaseholders, and it is blameless people who will pay the price.”