Residents fear revised cladding code could leave panels in place

BSI’s revised PAS 9980 code, listed as published on 30 September, sets out how to assess fire risk from the external walls of existing blocks of flats. The code is voluntary. Under government guidance for buildings in England, an assessment can classify a wall system as low, tolerable, medium or high risk. A tolerable rating means some risk remains, but no remediation is needed if fire spread is expected to be limited or suitable measures protect residents. Medium risk calls for further action, while remediation is strongly recommended for high risk. [2] [3] [4]

The separate tolerable category has alarmed some residents. Natasha Parcell, who is living in a hotel after a fatal fire at the Poplar tower where she owns a flat, told the BBC she feared the changes could allow developer Barratt Redrow to abandon planned cladding removal. Barratt Redrow said it still intended to remove all flammable cladding from her tower as soon as possible. [1]

London Fire Brigade says the 12 September fire damaged a 17th-floor flat and balcony. A man died, and firefighters rescued two adults and a child. The brigade believes the fire started accidentally; it has not identified a role for cladding in the blaze. [11]

The change does not mean tolerating some risk is a new principle. An earlier assessment framework allowed a tolerable outcome within its medium-risk band, while existing government funding guidance allowed measures short of complete cladding replacement. Government guidance says competent assessments made under the 2022 code should remain valid until they need review. [4] [6] [9]