WIREDGOV

A spokesperson for the Local Government Association said: “Councils have worked quickly to check cladding on tower blocks where they are the landlord and send samples for independent testing. Ensuring buildings are safe, acting quickly on any expert fire safety advice and offering reassurance to residents remains their highest priority.”

“The LGA has contacted all of the local authorities which government officials were still expecting samples from. Of the overwhelming majority we have been able to speak to so far, they have either already sent a sample for testing or informed government officials that they do not own any high-rise buildings with ACM cladding in their area.2

“It seems that samples expected by government officials from councils are, in many cases, due to actually arrive from other housing providers. As community leaders, councils are working with social and other landlords in their area to make sure all cladding samples are sent for testing as quickly as possible.”

“Our advice to any council, social and other landlord waiting for cladding test results remains that they should be preparing contingency plans so they can implement mitigating measures quickly.”

“We also continue to press the Government to ensure councils have the funding they need to support residents and carry out any new safety measures.”