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In July 2025, the UK government updated its Remediation Acceleration Plan (RAP). This update aims to speed up cladding replacement across high-risk buildings. It also reinforces the importance of accurate building surveys.
WHY DOES CLADDING REPLACEMENT MATTER?
The Grenfell Tower tragedy exposed a major safety problem in UK housing. Unsafe cladding continues to pose life-threatening risks. Many buildings still use materials that fail fire safety standards.
As of mid-2025 it’s estimated between 500 and 3,400 buildings over 11 metres still need cladding replacement. Earlier figures suggested up to 7,000 buildings were affected.
The updated figure comes from reviewing over 212,000 records (taken from ordnance survey and local authorities).
THE THREE GOALS OF THE UPDATED RAP
The RAP update focuses on three areas: fix buildings, identify risks, and support residents. Obviously, all three are essential to success.
1. FIX BUILDING FASTER
By June 2025, work had started or finished on 2,490 buildings. This includes 331 fully remediated buildings. Around 24,000 people now live in safer homes.
The government approved £455m in extra funding. This helps projects that were stalled or delayed. It also speeds up future cladding replacement work.
A new enforcement law is also coming. It introduces a “Legal Duty to Remediate.” This will force responsible parties to act, subsequently ignoring this law may lead to criminal penalties.
2. IDENTIFY ALL AT-RISK BUILDINGS
The RAP includes a national review of 4-storey buildings. So far, 77,854 records have been reviewed. Roughly 4,700 buildings are under investigation showing a drop from 5,800 earlier in the year.
An online “Tell Us” tool adds another 1,400 buildings. These were reported by residents and owners.
Homes England is building a National Remediation System, this tracks cladding progress across the country.
3. SUPPORT RESIDENTS LIVING WITH UNSAFE CLADDING
The update includes support for residents in lower-rise buildings too, some homes under 11 metres still face serious fire risks.
New rules allow for emergency funding in life-critical cases. A fund is also replacing costly Waking Watch services.
Shared owners will now get more protection during cladding replacement work. As a result, they won’t bear unfair costs due to safety issues.
LEGAL DEADLINES ARE APPROACHING
By the end of 2029, buildings over 18 metres must complete cladding remediation. Subsequently, buildings between 11 and 18 metres must have started work or secured a completion date.
Those who fail to comply face legal action, therefore new laws allow the regulator to take over the work if needed.
The timeline is strict, but rushing jobs leads to mistakes. That’s why early and accurate surveys are crucial.
COMMON ERRORS IN CLADDING PROJECTS
1. INCOMPLETE BUILDING RECORDS
Many building owners lack detailed information on past renovations., this makes survey work harder. Laser scanning and digital data helps fill those gaps.
2. OVERLOOKING HIDDEN FIRE RISKS
Fixing the cladding is not always enough. It’s clear some buildings have deeper fire safety issues, these include missing fire stops or poor internal structure.
3. POOR COMMUNICATION WITH RESIDENTS
Many residents are left in the dark, and a lack of updates creates anxiety and distrust.
Digital survey data can help. It gives clear visuals of project progress. Consequently, this builds confidence with tenants and leaseholders.
THE IMPORTANCE OF ACCURATE SURVEYS
Before any work begins, an accurate measured building survey is essential. Errors at this stage can lead to delays, additional costs, or legal risks. Therefore, using the latest laser scanning technology means accurate measured building surveys are conducted. This survey data is turned into 2D elevations that inform existing architectural elements, wall mounted services, heights and levels.
Drone surveys are also essential. Importantly, drones enable us to access previously unreachable areas and provide our clients with comprehensive survey information of the buildings.
At Spatial Dimensions, we offer specialised surveying services. and our work ensures that cladding replacement is done safely and correctly. Accurate survey information is vital to the RAP’s success. We do this by importantly working closely with property managers, local authorities and developers, we provide expert information, keeping you informed every step of the way.
Cladding replacement is not just about removing panels. It’s about restoring long-term safety. Mistakes can cost lives and money. From the first scan to final handover, we offer full visibility. That is essential for legal compliance and public safety.
MEETING THE 2029 GOAL
The RAP gives clear targets, specifically all buildings over 11 metres must be remediated or in-progress by December 2029. The National Remediation System will monitor this progress. Those who delay face heavy consequences.
Accurate data will make or break this plan, meaning good surveys lead to better funding decisions, faster builds, and safer homes.
FINAL THOUGHTS
In conclusion, the July 2025 RAP update brings urgency and clarity. Legal enforcement, faster funding, and national tracking are now in place.
Accurate surveys, including measured building surveys and drone surveys, are the first step to safer buildings. Correct data makes the remediation work quick and certainly safe.
The survey data, including elevations and photogrammetry, help to:
- Document existing conditions showing cladding and non-compliant materials.
- Support cladding replacement design, ensuring proper detailing.
- Speed up planning and approvals, showing they are meeting safety standards.
- Improve coordination through digitally available information, reducing errors and miscommunication.
Do you require a survey for cladding replacement? Contact us if you have any questions or fill out the form below!
