When you’ve been injured in an accident, the last thing you’d be able to do is to start researching for personal injury lawyers. However, if you’re considering hiring one, choosing someone with extensive experience and legal expertise is essential. Here are some crucial things to look for when choosing a
Peter McHugh, a Liverpool-based real estate partner at national firm Excello Law, has advised Caldeira, the UK’s leading cushion company, on the acquisition of a new headquarters on the Knowsley Industrial Park in Merseyside in a £3 million investment project. “Caldeira’s acquisition and redevelopment of their new HQ will bring
The Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) says new legislation will enforce installer and construction competence and put an end to the current “race to the bottom” that cuts both costs and safety. Marion Marsland, Chief Executive of the trade association, has hailed the Building Safety Act, the largest piece of
New study reveals Cambridge as the worst area for tool thefts in the UK South, West and North Yorkshire also appear in the top ten Experts reveal why you should review business assets and sell unused equipment The rising cost of living and trading has put businesses under immense pressure.
The Camp Lejeune water contamination scandal was a major issue and affected nearly a million people over several decades. For those who were affected by the toxic contamination at Camp Lejeune, or have a loved one who was affected, the passage of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act is a massive
More than three quarters (78%) of tradespeople have struggled to source materials this year New research reveals the 10 materials that workers have found hardest to source Plasterers, surveyors and joiners are the worst affected trades The materials shortage has plagued the UK trade industry for two years, and now
A checklist of key actions has been published to help building owners and operators prepare for the radical health and safety changes contained in the Building Safety Act. New legislation, which came into force last month, is set to transform the current culture across construction and introduce the most dramatic
The way businesses file Value Added Tax (VAT) returns has now changed, as part of Making Tax Digital (MTD). HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging businesses in your sector to join over 1.7 million taxpayers who are already benefitting from MTD to make the change. From 1 April 2022,
As the Building Safety Act 2022 comes into force, a leading provider of building management services is urging facilities and building managers to ensure their emergency lighting systems are ‘fit for purpose.’ The call for action from Abtec Building Technologies (Abtec BT) comes following a number of fires in high
Responding to measures in the Building Safety Act coming into force today where many leaseholders will be legally protected from unfair bills to make their homes safe, Cllr Darren Rodwell, Local Government Association housing spokesperson, said: “The LGA has long argued that blameless leaseholders should not have to pay for
When you’ve been injured in an accident, the last thing you’d be able to do is to start researching for personal injury lawyers. However, if you’re considering hiring one, choosing someone with extensive experience and legal expertise is essential. Here are some crucial things to look for when choosing a personal injury lawyer in Burlington: Experience and track record are essential components you must consider when searching for a personal injury lawyer in Burlington. A lawyer with the right qualifications and background can provide the necessary expertise to win your case and get the best possible settlement. The more experienced lawyers likely have worked on hundreds of cases similar to yours, giving them familiarity with local courts and knowledge of how insurance companies work. They may even be able to advise you on strategies before you even formally file a lawsuit. In addition, your chances of victory in court or negotiations are enhanced by hiring an attorney with a decent win percentage. Research each potential lawyer’s background to ensure they have the necessary expertise and track record of success in similar cases. With this information in hand, you can rest assured that you’re working with professionals who have successfully resolved many other similar cases as yours. When scouting for a personal injury lawyer in Burlington, the cost is always an essential factor to think about. Finding an attorney who is both well-qualified and within your budget can be difficult, but it’s worth the effort. It’s important not to choose the lowest-priced option, as some attorneys are cheaper because they may lack experience or provide a subpar level of service. On the other hand, high fees don’t necessarily guarantee success either. Doing thorough research and checking out lawyer’s reviews can save you time and money in the long run. Ultimately, finding the right personal injury attorney should involve careful consideration of both cost and quality of service to ensure you have the best chance of fighting for justice after an accident. It is critical to do one’s research before hiring a personal injury attorney in Burlington. Taking the time to look into references and reviews is a great start. References offer an experience-based account of how well a lawyer works with clients, while reviews provide helpful insights into their case outcomes, customer service, and cost efficiency. Knowing what others have experienced is incredibly valuable when deciding which attorney can best represent your interests and win your case. Don’t just take someone’s word for it – take the time to research and make sure you choose the right lawyer. It’s essential to consider location when looking for the best lawyer in Burlington because distance can impact the overall convenience of services. And since you’ll be required to attend meetings and check-ins with your lawyer regularly, it’s essential to find one close enough so that traveling won’t be disruptive or would require extra time and money. Additionally, lawyers who are local to the area often have more experience with local laws and tend to be better informed when it comes to getting the best outcome regarding insurance payouts. Thus, it’s worth researching lawyers within Burlington before considering those outside the city limits. When looking for a lawyer, availability is crucial. After all, you need an attorney who can give your case the attention it deserves; this is their area of expertise, and the more dedicated they can be, the better! Furthermore, the lawyer must be readily available if there are changes regarding your case, meetings that need to be arranged on short notice, or if something urgent needs to happen. Undertaking such a serious case requires commitment, and if you feel you’re being neglected or strung along, you’re not getting the representation you deserve. You don’t have to go for less than exemplary service; instead, prioritize the lawyer’s availability if you want to reap the benefits of hiring one for your situation. Lastly, when looking for a personal injury lawyer, it’s vital to consider whether or not they’re board-certified in their field. Consider only hiring attorneys certified by the National Trial Lawyers or the American Board of Trial Advocates. These certifications are awarded to lawyers who have met stringent standards regarding experience and knowledge in their area of expertise; they are subjective, but they still carry weight regarding credibility and effectiveness. Final Words Finding the right personal injury lawyer can be challenging, but it’s worth the effort. Doing thorough research and checking out lawyer’s reviews can save you time and money in the long run. Ultimately, finding the right personal injury attorney should involve careful consideration of both cost and quality of service to ensure you have the best chance of fighting for justice after an accident. By following the tips above and conducting thorough research, you can be confident that you have made the best choice. Good luck! Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Peter McHugh, a Liverpool-based real estate partner at national firm Excello Law, has advised Caldeira, the UK’s leading cushion company, on the acquisition of a new headquarters on the Knowsley Industrial Park in Merseyside in a £3 million investment project. “Caldeira’s acquisition and redevelopment of their new HQ will bring additional investment and job opportunities into Knowsley. It’s also testament to a strong partnership and funding approach across the City which ensures successful local companies are able to grow their businesses in the heart of Merseyside,” said Peter. The 85,000 sq. ft. factory on a three-acre site, at 29 Lees Road, will contain manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, office and showroom facilities. The surplus space at the site, not yet required by Caldeira, is being developed and will be rented to other companies. “We’ve been working with Peter over the last year on our property needs and we find in him, and Excello Law, a very knowledgeable and responsive real estate team. Peter’s advice was key to ensuring a property that meets all our needs for future expansion of the business,” added Tony Caldeira, Founder and Managing Director of Caldeira, The significant renovation of the site has involved a full refurbishment of the property. In addition, there have been adaptations to the factory, warehouse, offices and showroom space to enable the company to increase production to over a million cushions per year. As part of the project, the company is investing in solar energy making Caldeira carbon negative in 2023. Caldeira’s purchase of the building has been supported by HSBC Bank in Liverpool, while the building renovation has been assisted by the Liverpool City Region Flexible Growth Fund via MSIF, and the Liverpool City Region Capital Grant Fund, which is delivered by St.Helens Chamber of Commerce. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) says new legislation will enforce installer and construction competence and put an end to the current “race to the bottom” that cuts both costs and safety. Marion Marsland, Chief Executive of the trade association, has hailed the Building Safety Act, the largest piece of built environment legislation in more than 50 years, as tremendously important in upholding standards and increasing collaboration within the supply chain. The Act also paves the way for secondary legislation that places competence at the heart of the industry and will put an end to thermal insulation specialists being pushed out of projects by contractors without a Construction Related Occupation CSCS card or those prepared to use non-compliant materials. It will ensure sub-contractors operating in the sector will be recognised as specialists, with the ability to evidence their specific knowledge, skills, and experience – which in turn will drive up standards. Currently there are a minimum set of requirements, such as BS 5422 and BS 5970, which provide recommendations on thermal insulation materials for pipes, tanks, vessels, ductwork and equipment operating within specified temperature ranges. However, while a consultant will specify insulation thickness, such standards are referenced down the line in sub-contractor technical submittals – despite the fact understanding is often lacking throughout the value chain. Marion Marsland said: “Many people currently referencing the standards don’t have the experience or knowledge to ensure specified standards are being met by the installer – a situation that benefits those contractors who either ignore or flout relevant standards. “For too long, the relationship between the thermal insulation industry and the wider building services industry has been transactional, with clients essentially asking contractors ‘how cheap can you lag the pipework on our project?’. “This process, repeated time and time again, represents a race to the bottom, where competent thermal insulation specialists end up being pushed out of projects by contractors employing uncarded labour or substituting the specified product with non-compliant materials. “Sadly, specialist contractors are not the only losers as the standards also matter to the owners and occupiers of badly insulated buildings, particularly when it comes to excess energy bills and overheating issues.” “Thankfully, these practices will not stand against the wave of change heading towards the built environment sector in the form of the Building Safety Act and resulting secondary legislation.” Chris Ridge, TICA’s Technical Policy Manager, added: “At TICA we are working with our members to ensure they are well placed to adapt to the changes ahead. We are also working with key stakeholders in the building services industry to ensure our approach to competence frameworks aligns with and supports the wider drive towards improved competence in the built environment sector. “The vast majority of TICA members are SME businesses, and we recognise that accessing relevant standards could be problematic. We have therefore partnered with the BSI to develop a portal for full members to access thermal insulation related standards. In addition, we will be rolling out regular CPD that will provide greater levels of product and policy related knowledge and ensure they remain the standard bearers of the thermal insulation industry.”
New study reveals Cambridge as the worst area for tool thefts in the UK South, West and North Yorkshire also appear in the top ten Experts reveal why you should review business assets and sell unused equipment The rising cost of living and trading has put businesses under immense pressure. Whilst stolen tools could seem a minor inconvenience, losing tools and large-scale equipment could be disastrous for a business already suffering in the current economic climate. Commercial tool thefts are a growing concern for businesses across the country, with search interest for ‘tools stolen’ increasing by 117%¹ from January 2020 to July this year. Whilst tool thefts can happen anywhere in the country, online auction specialist BPI Auctions has used Freedom of Information data² from local councils across the UK to identify which areas suffered the most commercial tool thefts since January 2020. Analysing the data, the top ten areas for tool thefts are: Cambridgeshire (9,433) South Yorkshire (6,123) Lancashire (5,818) Essex (4,196) Hertfordshire (3,675) West Yorkshire (3,097) North Yorkshire (2,229) Humberside (1,129) Northamptonshire (1,013) Bedfordshire (858) Cambridgeshire took the top spot with 9,433 total thefts, a significant lead ahead of South Yorkshire in second place with 6,123 thefts. Yorkshire appeared in the top ten twice more, with West Yorkshire in 6th place (3,097) and North Yorkshire in 7th (2,229). Whilst Northern regions were prominent in the top ten, Southern areas also made the list, with Essex coming 4th (4,196) and Hertfordshire being 5th (3,675). Looking further into the data, in Cambridgeshire, the number of ‘thefts from a motor vehicle’ (6,581) was over twice as common as a ‘burglary from a business’ (2,837). This is a regular occurrence in tool thefts. Whilst business owners will often invest in security for premises and buildings, vehicles are often forgotten and become a perfect target for thieves. Whilst you can’t guarantee the protection of your vehicle from tool thefts, making small changes like storing tools inside or investing in a sticker that states ‘no tools are left in the vehicle overnight’ can deter prospective thieves. Despite having the most thefts overall, Cambridgeshire’s stolen value totalled £4,816,806, whilst South Yorkshire was valued at over double with £9,289,954 of stolen goods between January 2020 and July 2022. The data shows that smaller handheld tools such as drills and saws were much more at risk than larger, expensive items like fort lift trucks or platform lifts. These items are more convenient for thieves as they are smaller and likely have no serial numbers that owners or police could identify them with. Speaking on the data, Henry Spencer, Chief Operating Officer at BPI Auctions, summarises: “As a Yorkshire-based business, it is shocking to see our region rank so high on the list. However safe or crime-free you believe your area to be, you could still be at threat from tool thefts. Making changes or investing in security or storage may seem unnecessary, but it could save your business thousands of pounds and stress down the line.” “Business owners in these areas may also benefit from reviewing their business assets and selling any tools or equipment they no longer need. Reduced tool collections can also be easier to store and keep in secure locations on an evening or weekend.” For a full breakdown of the areas with the highest tool thefts and which tools are most likely to be stolen, visit BPI Auctions.
The Camp Lejeune water contamination scandal was a major issue and affected nearly a million people over several decades. For those who were affected by the toxic contamination at Camp Lejeune, or have a loved one who was affected, the passage of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act is a massive deal. To ensure you make the most of this act’s passage, here are some important updates and information to catch you up on the Camp Lejeune Justice Act: The Camp Lejeune Justice Act Passes Congress Congress has finally passed the Honoring Our PACT Act, which covers a massive range of cases where veterans and family members were exposed to toxic burn pits and other sources of toxic contamination. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act was a key part of the larger PACT legislation and was created to oversee lawsuits regarding the toxic water contamination that occurred for decades at Camp Lejeune. Nearly a million people have been estimated to have suffered life-altering medical conditions due to the toxic exposure they experienced at Camp Lejeune during their residencies. Additionally, TruLaw has information on the Camp Lejeune lawsuit. Are You Eligible to File a Camp Lejeune Justice Act Lawsuit? Under the text of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, anywho who “resided, worked, or was otherwise exposed” to the toxic water at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or longer (between August 1st, 1953 and December 31st, 1987) could be eligible to file a damages claim. Military members, their family members, non-military workers, civilian contractors, and other long-term residents who lived at Camp Lejeune are all eligible to file a lawsuit under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. For those uncertain about their eligibility status, talking to a knowledgeable attorney about Camp Lejeune lawsuit representation is highly recommended. Can the Family Members of Deceased Loved Ones File Lawsuits as Well? The text of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act allows relatives (or legal representatives) to file claims on behalf of people both living and deceased, as long as they were exposed to the toxic, contaminated water at Camp Lejeune Justice during the qualifying period. In addition to legal representatives, the individuals that can file for living or deceased folk include an exposed individual’s child, spouse, parent, or sibling. What Illnesses are Linked to the Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune? A large list of illnesses, many of them life-long or life-altering, have been connected to toxic exposure linked to the water contamination at Camp Lejeune. These illnesses have been put together by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), which is a public health agency. More action is needed to keep similar water contamination issues from happening around the country. Other studies were combined with the ATSDR’s initial study to compile the following list of Camp Lejeune-connected illnesses: -Soft Tissue Cancer -Rectal Cancer -Pancreatic Cancer -Ovarian Cancer -Prostate Cancer -Lung Cancer -Liver Cancer -Multiple Myeloma –Breast Cancer -Bladder Cancer -Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma -Leukemia -Kidney Cancer -Esophageal Cancer -Brain Cancer -Cardiac Birth Defects -Neural Tube Defects -Fetal Death -Low Birth Weight -Female Infertility -Choanal Atresia -Miscarriage -Major Malformations -Oral Cleft Defects -Liver Cirrhosis -Scleroderma -Parkinson Disease -End-Stage Renal Disease Differences Between VA Disability Benefits and Lawsuits Under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act There was already legislation passed to help those exposed to toxic water at Camp Lejeune gain VA benefits in 2012 – the Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012. The act provided needed health care benefits to veterans stationed at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, as well as their family members, as long as they suffered from any of these 15 health conditions: -Esophageal Cancer -Breast Cancer -Bladder Cancer -Lung Cancer -Kidney Cancer -Scleroderma -Leukemia -Miscarriage -Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma -Renal Toxicity -Myelodysplastic Syndromes -Hepatic Steatosis -Female Infertility -Neurobehavioral Effects -Multiple Myeloma The History of Camp Lejeune’s Water Contamination The Camp Lejeune water contamination scandal is one of the most prominent in U.S. history. From the 1950s to the 1980s, two toxic wells contaminated all water on the base and led to health issues for an estimated 750,000+ people. The contamination occurred due to a large multitude of volatile organic compounds finding their way into the water: including benzene, vinyl chloride, tetrachloroethylene, and others. The toxic contamination originated from several sources, including industrial spills, underground storage tank leaks, waste disposal sites, and other mismanagement. When Should I File a Lawsuit Under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act? Now that Congress has passed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, you should act immediately to file a lawsuit. Hundreds of millions of dollars are expected to be paid out in settlements in the first year of these lawsuits alone, so it is finally time for you to receive the restitution you deserve from the United States government.
More than three quarters (78%) of tradespeople have struggled to source materials this year New research reveals the 10 materials that workers have found hardest to source Plasterers, surveyors and joiners are the worst affected trades The materials shortage has plagued the UK trade industry for two years, and now new research has revealed the stark impact this has had on workers in the sector. The study, conducted by IronmongeryDirect, the UK’s largest supplier of specialist ironmongery, found that more than three-quarters (78%) of tradespeople have struggled to source the materials they’ve needed in the last year. As a result, almost half (46%) have had to delay or turn down work, and nearly a fifth (19%) have been forced to let customers down after committing to jobs. When asked which specific materials they’ve found difficult to find, the most common replies were paint (21%), timber (19%) and steel (17%). The 10 materials that UK tradespeople have found hardest to source in the last year are: # Material % 1 Paint 21% 2 Timber 19% 3 Steel 17% 4 Blocks 14% 5 Bricks 13% 6 Coatings 13% 7 Semi-conductors 13% 8 Plasterboard 12% 9 Cement 12% 10 Microchips 12% Unfortunately, more than one in five (22%) respondents said that they can’t see the shortage easing anytime soon, and that they believe problems will continue into 2023. Inflation is the main factor they blame (20%), with record levels driving up prices across the board and affecting the supply chain. The impact of Coronavirus (17%), rising energy costs (15%) and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine (15%) are also perceived to be responsible. While the shortage has been felt across the industry, some trades have struggled to source materials more than others. The study found that plasterers (92%), surveyors (88%) and joiners (87%) have been hit the hardest. Roofers, however, are the most likely workers to have had to turn down work (60%) as a result of the issue. Dominick Sandford, Managing Director at IronmongeryDirect, said: “The materials shortage continues to be one of the industry’s main challenges, with workers across all trades finding it hard to source what they need to meet the demand for their services. “The impact is felt in many ways – financially, as many have had to refuse work as a result, but also personally, as our recent Mental Health in the Trades report found that the shortage is one of the main causes of stress for tradespeople in 2022. “In recent weeks, there have been signs of the situation easing slightly, so hopefully things will continue to improve as the year goes on.” To see which materials each individual trade has found difficult to source this year, and how prices have increased over time, visit: https://www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/blog/how-is-the-materials-shortage-affecting-uk-tradespeople
A checklist of key actions has been published to help building owners and operators prepare for the radical health and safety changes contained in the Building Safety Act. New legislation, which came into force last month, is set to transform the current culture across construction and introduce the most dramatic change to building safety in almost half a century, according to the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA). While much of the national publicity around the Act focused on fire safety and standards of new building work, the implications for all aspects of safe operation of existing buildings are significant. This prompted the Association to prepare a simple five-point checklist that addresses the key responsibilities of those likely to be affected by the legislation. The Act requires a named individual for each in scope building who can be held legally accountable for actions and omissions in planning, procurement, and operation. The ‘accountable person’ must be competent to “plan, monitor and manage” work, according to the legislation. SFG20, part of the BESA group, produces the industry’s standard for planned service and maintenance work, and has examined the detail of the legislation and identified the specific implications for those responsible for maintenance. The checklist will help building operators prepare for the digital ‘golden thread’ of information needed to satisfy their new legal obligations. The new Building Safety Regulator, supported by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), will be carrying out in-depth reviews of 12,500 ‘high risk’ buildings over the next five years to look for safety breaches. He has the power to retrospectively punish past poor quality work making it important for those responsible to have clear records of all work already complete or currently underway – not just future projects.
The way businesses file Value Added Tax (VAT) returns has now changed, as part of Making Tax Digital (MTD). HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging businesses in your sector to join over 1.7 million taxpayers who are already benefitting from MTD to make the change. From 1 April 2022, MTD for VAT became mandatory for all VAT-registered businesses, regardless of turnover. This means businesses need to keep digital business records, sign up to MTD and file all their future VAT returns using MTD-compatible software. If they do not file their VAT returns through MTD, they may have to pay a penalty. Even if a business currently keeps digital records, they must check their software is MTD compatible and sign up for MTD. MTD’s aim is to help businesses get their tax right first time and to support the UK to go digital. More than 15 million returns have been successfully submitted through MTD, with businesses reporting that MTD has increased their confidence in managing their tax affairs and using technology. There is a range of compatible software products available for VAT, allowing businesses to choose which tools they use to run their business and tax affairs. A list of software compatible with Making Tax Digital for VAT, including low-cost options, is available on GOV.UK. HMRC has continued to work with smaller businesses below the £85,000 VAT threshold to ensure they are ready and to remind them of the actions they need to take. A range of accessible help is available online through GOV.UK, webinars and videos as well as through HMRC’s Extra Support Service. Giles McCallum, Director of Making Tax Digital at HMRC, said: “We continue to support those businesses who have yet to sign up and are encouraging traders in the construction sector to help them make the change to Making Tax Digital. Using MTD helps businesses reduce errors, making it faster to prepare and submit returns. “In order to gain benefit from MTD and to avoid any penalty as many others have already, we urge all businesses to sign up to MTD now.” Federation of Small Businesses National Chair Martin McTague said: “MTD software can improve productivity and open up opportunities to tighten internal processes beyond just the tax side of things. Even if you’re not obliged to be a part of MTD at the moment, it’s worth looking into different platforms, especially now Help To Grow Digital is live. If you’re an FSB member, we can help you get up to speed in this area.” To comply with MTD for VAT, businesses or an agent on a business’ behalf need to take three simple steps: If a business hasn’t signed up to MTD yet, they must do so before they submit their next VAT return otherwise they could receive a penalty. Find out how to sign up on GOV.UK. Agents can sign up on behalf of a business, although businesses remain responsible for meeting their VAT obligations. Details on how to avoid being charged a penalty can be found here.
As the Building Safety Act 2022 comes into force, a leading provider of building management services is urging facilities and building managers to ensure their emergency lighting systems are ‘fit for purpose.’ The call for action from Abtec Building Technologies (Abtec BT) comes following a number of fires in high rise buildings in recent months, and at a time when the call for the ‘stay put’ policy to be abandoned. Welcoming the new legislation, the company believes such incidents place a much-needed spotlight on the need for more integrated approaches secure, robust emergency lighting reporting solutions which allow occupants to safety exit the building. Abtec BT, who launched ARGOHub – a software as a service (SaaS) offering, believes too many buildings reman ill-equipped with outdated emergency lighting systems and testing practices. This means they are not fit for purpose and cannot be relied upon in the event of an incident. Fully supportive of the current industry standards, ARGOHub can be tested in accordance with BS EN 50172:2004/BS 5266-1:2016, which specify the minimum provision and testing of emergency lighting for different premises. “Emergency building services is about more than fire alarms,’ comments Dave Watkins, Director of Abtec Building Technologies. “As the focus on building safety continues to increase, it is absolutely vital that those with responsibility for building safety take a good look at their existing systems and ask whether they are truly fit for the purpose they were installed for?. “Building managers must be sure they can control, monitor and test their emergency lighting systems with ease and confidence. We know from experience that integrating technology such as ARGOHub into building management systems will enhance overall building safety and bring peace of mind to building owners, operators and users everywhere. For any building manager who remains unsure of how things can be improved or made more robust and reliable, we are here to help.” For more information and to download ARGOHub’s white paper visit www.argohub.com.
Responding to measures in the Building Safety Act coming into force today where many leaseholders will be legally protected from unfair bills to make their homes safe, Cllr Darren Rodwell, Local Government Association housing spokesperson, said: “The LGA has long argued that blameless leaseholders should not have to pay for fire safety defects resulting from 20 years of regulatory failure and industry malpractice. We are pleased the Government has listened, although we remain concerned that the measures announced today will be insufficient to protect all leaseholders who own the freeholds of their blocks. “Government is right to recognise that the regulatory system was inadequate and operating poorly before the Grenfell Tower fire. It now needs to take responsibility for that failure by ensuring social housing tenants have the same protection that it has offered homeowners. “If councils and housing associations are not protected from the cost of fixing dangerous cladding and other fire safety defects those costs will inevitably fall on rent-payers. The Government must also exempt social housing from the forthcoming levy.”
