The Cladding Safety Scheme: how it works and how to apply.

What the scheme is

The Cladding Safety Scheme (CSS) is run by Homes England and funds the remediation of life-safety risks from cladding on residential buildings in England. Applications are made through Homes England's Building Remediation Hub, and all new applications for cladding funding go through the CSS.

Who can apply

Only the Responsible Entity can apply: the party legally responsible for repairing and maintaining the external walls, or someone authorised to act for them. That might be a freeholder, head leaseholder, registered provider of social housing, resident management company, Right to Manage company or a tribunal-appointed manager. Individual leaseholders cannot apply directly, but they can ask their building owner or managing agent to.

Which buildings qualify

• Multi-occupied residential or mixed-use buildings in England.
• Buildings with cladding where a PAS 9980 Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls (FRAEW) recommends life-safety works.
• Private buildings need at least one qualifying long residential lease; social housing has its own criteria.
• Buildings covered by a developer's remediation contract are excluded, as the developer must fix them.

In 2026 the government also opened funding to buildings under 11 metres with two or more dwellings, prioritised by risk to life. The first application window for those buildings closed on 9 October 2026, so check the latest Homes England guidance for any further rounds.

Why the FRAEW matters

The FRAEW is the gateway to funding. It must be carried out by a firm on the CSS assessor panel, follow PAS 9980, and include the CSS summary template. Homes England audits FRAEWs to confirm the risk outcome, so a clear, evidence-led report avoids delays. Where the building is eligible, the cost of the FRAEW itself can be reimbursed.

McKay Turner Consulting is on the Homes England panel of approved CSS assessors. See FRAEW vs EWS1 for how the appraisal works.

What is funded

• Works the FRAEW recommends to address life-safety cladding risk, including removal and replacement or proportionate alternatives.
• Access such as scaffolding, materials and labour.
• Reimbursement of an eligible FRAEW, plus eligible professional and managing agent fees.
• Pre-tender support for design work and FRAEW costs (mandatory for eligible social sector applicants).

Redecoration, general maintenance, window replacement, insurance premiums and the running costs of interim measures such as waking watches are not covered.

The application stages

• Create an account on the Building Remediation Hub and submit initial details.
• Instruct a FRAEW from a CSS panel firm.
• Complete the second part of the application using the FRAEW summary.
• Submit the works application and receive approval.
• Sign the grant funding agreement and deliver the works, keeping leaseholders and residents updated at set milestones.

Frequently asked questions

Who runs the Cladding Safety Scheme?

Homes England runs the scheme, with applications made through its Building Remediation Hub.

Can leaseholders apply to the Cladding Safety Scheme?

No. Only the Responsible Entity, such as the freeholder, head leaseholder, management company or Right to Manage company, or someone authorised by them, can apply.

Do I need a FRAEW to apply?

Yes. A PAS 9980 FRAEW from a firm on the CSS assessor panel, including the CSS summary template, is required. Eligible FRAEW costs can be reimbursed.

Are buildings under 11 metres eligible?

In 2026 funding opened to buildings under 11 metres with two or more dwellings, prioritised by risk to life. The first application window closed on 9 October 2026; check Homes England guidance for further rounds.

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