The cladding story is not just about fire safety. It is also about the wider issue of building defects in blocks of flats, and who ends up paying when those defects appear. From leaks and cracks to poor workmanship and unsafe materials, too many residents discover problems long after the builder has gone and the warranty has expired.

For homeowners, it can be devastating. Flats bought in good faith turn into financial traps. Remediation bills arrive that run into the tens of thousands, and service charges soar to cover emergency measures. The law has begun to catch up, with the Building Safety Act and a landmark Supreme Court ruling this summer confirming that those responsible in the supply chain must meet their share of the costs. Yet for many leaseholders, protection remains patchy.

The difficulty is not just legal. Identifying who is responsible, whether the defect falls within the definition of “relevant,” and whether protections apply, all take time. For residents, that means more waiting, more uncertainty, and more stress. In the meantime, flats can remain unsafe, unsellable, and uninsured. Families find themselves in limbo, unable to move on with their lives, while councils and housing associations struggle with the financial strain of keeping buildings safe.

One wonders whether stronger consumer protection is overdue. Should flat buyers have the same clear rights as someone buying a toaster or a car? Should there be mandatory insurance or longer warranties that actually cover the building, not just the unit? And how can we make sure developers, contractors, and designers do not walk away from their responsibilities while leaseholders carry the can?

It is encouraging that the courts are beginning to hold those in the supply chain to account, and that reforms have extended the time people have to bring claims. Yet legal action is still a slow and expensive route, and few ordinary homeowners have the time or resources to take it on. Consumer protection should mean that residents do not need to go to court in the first place.

We are fortunate enough to be joined on Cladding Matters this Friday by The Earl of Lytton, a leading voice in building safety reform. His tireless work in the House of Lords has kept the plight of leaseholders firmly on the agenda, and his perspective on accountability, consumer protection, and the future of housing safety will be invaluable.

Also with us will be our regular panel, with Gareth Wax in the chair, myself Hamish McLay, and Stephen Day from Royal Artillery Quays, who brings the lived experience of residents dealing with defects and delays. Together, we will be looking at how protections have improved, where they still fall short, and what must change to stop ordinary homeowners being left with extraordinary bills.

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