Fire safety subsidy scheme announced for medium and high-rise social housing in Wales

Overview of the fire safety subsidy scheme for social sector housing

The Welsh Government has introduced the “Medium and High-Rise Residential Building Fire Safety Capital Grant (Social Sector) Subsidy Scheme” to address fire safety defects in medium and high-rise social housing.

As reported by the Welsh Government, the scheme aims to fund Welsh social sector landlords for remediation work on buildings over 11 metres in height with identified as-built fire safety issues.

The grant supports efforts to improve fire safety compliance, safeguard residents, and rebuild public confidence in the safety of affected social housing.

Funding and eligibility criteria

The scheme has a total budget allocation of £128 million, running from 2020 to 2032.

Eligible applicants include registered social landlords and local authorities in Wales.

Each grant covers 100% of approved costs, with individual awards capped at £20 million.

Only fire and structural safety issues in buildings over 11 metres tall, identified through risk-based assessments, qualify for funding.

Implementation and policy objectives

The subsidy scheme is implemented under the authority of Welsh Ministers, leveraging powers granted by the Local Government Act 2003 and Housing Act 1996.

The scheme’s objectives include rapid remediation of identified fire safety defects, compliance with fire safety standards, and support for the Welsh construction sector by engaging specialised contractors.

Application and contact details

Applicants must inform the Subsidy Control Unit of their intention to provide awards under this scheme.

Contact details for the Subsidy Control Unit:

• Address: Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NQ, United Kingdom
• Telephone: +44 (0)3000 604 400
• Email: [email protected]

Correspondence is welcomed in Welsh and English.

Fire safety subsidy scheme announced for medium and high-rise social housing in Wales: Summary

The Welsh Government has introduced a £128 million fire safety subsidy scheme to support the remediation of fire safety defects in medium and high-rise social sector buildings across Wales.

The initiative aims to fund local authorities and registered social landlords for necessary fire and structural safety work on buildings exceeding 11 metres in height.

The scheme will provide grants covering 100% of eligible costs, capped at £20 million per award.

It operates from 2020 to 2032, depending on the completion of remediation projects.

Applicants must comply with risk-based assessments and notify the Subsidy Control Unit when applying for awards.