The wider remediation picture

The urgency is reinforced by the latest data from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). As of the end of January 2026, there are 4,191 residential buildings 11 metres and over in height identified as having unsafe cladding, whose remediation progress is being reported on.

Of these 4,191 buildings, 2,195 (52%) have started or completed remediation works, and within that figure, 1,513 (36%) have been completed – an important sign of progress.

However, the work is far from done. Thousands of buildings remain in the system, and well over half have not yet reached completion, leaving many residents to continue living with uncertainty and ongoing disruption.

Why the sudden urgency?

BSR Chief Executive, Charlie Pugsley, has been clear that remediation has always been a priority. However, since taking over as head of the BSR in October 2025, the early focus has been on fixing the Gateway system for new builds and clearing the backlog.

As he was recently quoted in Construction News:

“I think certainly in terms of for [chair Andy Roe] and myself, the challenges with the [new-build] gateway when we first came in was particularly profound. So that’s why a lot of the focus has been on that. It’s not about remediation not being equally as important.”

Now that legacy gateway applications are on track for resolution, attention can turn to live recladding and remediation schemes. The latest BSR data shows a near “one in, one out” pattern – with decisions broadly matching new submissions. That steady state is not enough. To meaningfully reduce the number of unsafe buildings, decisions must outpace incoming cases.

Encouragingly, the regulator has begun batching similar remediation cases to streamline assessment and improve efficiency. This is a pragmatic step in what remains a highly complex regulatory landscape.

The importance of momentum

Eden Facades has consistently supported the drive to strengthen building safety oversight. The introduction of Gateway processes, enhanced design scrutiny and clearer Dutyholder responsibilities were necessary reforms.

However, remediation must now gather pace, as Tony Hill, Managing Director at Eden Facades, highlights:

“The focus must always be on the residents. For those living in buildings awaiting remediation, this is about their homes, their safety and often their financial security.

Whilst we believe remediation projects should have been the highest priority in the first instance – with people living in fear for their safety in the years following the Grenfell disaster and thousands of properties identified with unsafe cladding – we welcome the BSR’s focus on reducing the live remediation caseload and moving projects forward.”

Ready to deliver remediation

Eden Facades is well-positioned to help reduce the remediation backlog by providing specialised expertise for complex recladding schemes, supporting industry efforts to accelerate building safety improvements.

Our expertise ensures that remediation projects are delivered on time, compliant with regulations, and with minimal disruption, providing residents with safer, more secure homes and peace of mind.

Tony adds:

“Remediation projects demand clarity, competence, and coordination. Qualities that Eden Facades consistently delivers, helping stakeholders meet deadlines and regulatory standards efficiently while prioritising resident safety.”

Collaboration remains key

Remediation is rarely straightforward. Each building presents its own technical, contractual and funding complexities. Occupied environments introduce logistical challenges, while funding streams – whether via developers, freeholders or government schemes – add further layers of coordination.

That complexity reinforces the need for collaboration among all stakeholders to remediate buildings quickly and in compliance with regulations.

A positive step with more to do

The BSR’s announcement underscores that reducing the 280 live cases, while continuing to manage new submissions, requires sustained and dedicated effort.

Recognising that resolving legacy safety risks is as urgent as reforming future construction emphasises the critical role stakeholders play in long-term building safety.

The industry must continue to push forward with remediation, not simply maintain the status quo. As the regulator sharpens its focus, Eden Facades stands ready to support the delivery of safe, compliant façades that allow residents to move beyond uncertainty and into secure, safe environments.

If you are looking for support on an upcoming cladding remediation project, please get in touch with our team.