Remediation acceleration is welcome, but faces significant practical challenges – NFCC

Responding to the Government’s announcement that it will take action to speed up removal of unsafe cladding, National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Chair, Mark Hardingham, said:

“We welcome the Government’s plans to improve building safety and accelerate the removal of unsafe cladding. Addressing these risks is a critical step towards preventing future tragedies and ensuring the safety of people in their homes across the country.

“However, we must acknowledge that achieving the ambitious targets set out in this announcement will face significant practical challenges. Chief among these is the current shortage of skilled, competent professionals required to deliver such a large-scale programme, which is not an issue that can be resolved through funding alone. Fire and rescue services, while committed to supporting this vital work, are already operating under significant pressure to meet their statutory obligations. Without a coordinated, long-term strategy to address workforce shortages and build capacity, there is a real risk of overstretching the capacity of competent practitioners across the fire and wider construction sectors.

“We are keen to see, and be part of, a collaborative, systemic response that not only accelerates remediation but also invests in building the expertise and resilience of the workforce. This will require engagement with all stakeholders – including local authorities, industry leaders, and training providers – to ensure we lay a sustainable foundation for safer buildings in the future.

“Fire and rescue services stand ready to support efforts to enhance public safety towards a safer future for all. There needs to be sustainable funding to support them in this work. We urge a comprehensive assessment of resource demands to ensure we can maintain the full breadth of our statutory responsibilities in keeping our communities safe.”

ENDS

Notes to editor

• The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) is an independent membership association and the professional voice of the UK Fire and Rescue Service. NFCC support fire and rescue services to continually improve, helping them to save lives and keep their local communities safe. NFCC are a charity and a membership association supporting and representing the UK Fire and Rescue Service. Founded in 1941, NFCC was established as a company and charity in 1998 as The Chief Fire Officers’ Association, transforming into the NFCC in 2017.