Cladding Safety Scheme Application Process 2026

Q: Which buildings are eligible for the Cladding Safety Scheme?

The Cladding Safety Scheme is available to residential buildings in England that are at least 11 metres in height (or have at least 5 storeys), have unsafe non-ACM cladding systems that require remediation, and where the building owner or developer is unable or unwilling to fund the remediation. Buildings with ACM cladding are covered by the separate ACM Cladding Remediation Fund. The scheme covers the cost of removing and replacing the unsafe cladding system, but not improvements or upgrades beyond what is necessary to make the building safe.

Q: What evidence is needed for a CSS application?

Applications must be supported by a Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls (FRAEW) carried out in accordance with PAS 9980, confirming that the external wall system presents a life-safety fire risk requiring remediation. Additional evidence includes building ownership and management information, the building's registration with the Building Safety Regulator, details of the cladding system and any previous investigations, and confirmation that the building owner has explored all alternative funding routes including developer self-remediation and the Building Safety Fund.

Q: How long does the CSS application process take?

The application process typically takes 6 to 12 months from initial registration to funding approval, depending on the complexity of the building and the completeness of the supporting evidence. The process involves several stages: initial registration, eligibility assessment, technical assessment (review of the FRAEW and remediation proposals), cost assessment and value engineering, and finally funding approval. Delays commonly occur when the FRAEW or remediation specification is incomplete or does not meet the scheme's requirements.

Q: What costs does the CSS cover?

The CSS covers the reasonable costs of removing and replacing the unsafe cladding system to make the building safe. This typically includes design and specification of the remediation works, removal of the existing cladding, supply and installation of a compliant replacement cladding system, associated works such as fire stopping, cavity barriers and weather protection during the works, and professional fees for project management and contract administration. The scheme does not cover improvements or upgrades beyond what is necessary for fire safety, nor does it cover interim measures such as waking watches or alarm systems.

Overview

Navigating the Cladding Safety Scheme

The Cladding Safety Scheme (CSS) provides government funding for the remediation of unsafe non-ACM cladding on residential buildings in England. The application process is multi-stage and evidence-intensive. Buildings must demonstrate that their external wall system presents a life-safety fire risk and that the building owner cannot fund the remediation through other means.

Step 1: Registration and eligibility

The first step is registering the building on the CSS portal. The building must be at least 11 metres or 5 storeys, contain residential units, be located in England, and have non-ACM cladding that has been identified as unsafe through a FRAEW. The applicant must be the building owner or an authorised representative such as the managing agent or RMC.

Step 2: Evidence submission

The application must be supported by a FRAEW carried out under PAS 9980, building ownership and management documentation, details of the cladding system and any previous investigations, confirmation of registration with the Building Safety Regulator, and evidence that alternative funding routes (developer remediation, Building Safety Fund) have been explored.

Step 3: Technical and cost assessment

The CSS technical team reviews the FRAEW and remediation proposals to confirm that the scope of works is appropriate and proportionate. A cost assessment and value engineering process ensures that the proposed costs are reasonable. This stage may involve queries and requests for additional information.

Step 4: Funding approval and delivery

Once approved, funding is released in stages aligned to the remediation programme. The building owner is responsible for procuring and managing the remediation works, typically with professional support from a project manager and contract administrator. The CSS monitors progress and releases payments against certified stages of work.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Which buildings are eligible for the Cladding Safety Scheme?

Residential buildings in England at least 11 metres or 5 storeys high with unsafe non-ACM cladding requiring remediation, where the building owner cannot fund the work through other means.

What evidence is needed for a CSS application?

A FRAEW under PAS 9980, building ownership and management documentation, cladding system details, BSR registration confirmation, and evidence that alternative funding routes have been explored.

How long does the CSS application process take?

Typically 6 to 12 months from registration to funding approval, depending on building complexity and completeness of evidence. Incomplete FRAEWs or specifications are the most common cause of delay.

What costs does the CSS cover?

Removal and replacement of unsafe cladding, associated fire stopping and cavity barriers, weather protection, and professional fees. It does not cover improvements beyond fire safety or interim measures like waking watches.

Next Steps