Comment


Another example of focused resident engagement is Propeller Crecent and Purely Way in Waddon, where we carried out similar work. As a way of thanking our tenants for their resilience and support, our contracting partner, Wates, organised a playground clean up day, with ice cream, as well as a drawing competition for local school children. Wates also managed regular waste removal and decluttering, which in turn, encouraged residents to do the same. Factoring initiatives like these into building safety projects is vital as it not


only contributes to building positive relationships with our residents, but it also fosters a sense of community among themselves. Collaboration among all involved parties, being clear with expectations and


resolving issues to deliver the best outcome for those living in the building, is the best way to yield successful results. One of the biggest worries for residents, and one of the most significant


challenges of building safety remediation, is who pays for the work, which can be extremely costly. Determining who bears the financial responsibility for remediation can


be contentious. While the Government may provide some funding, building owners, developers, and residents oſten face disputes over cost-sharing, leading to delays and legal challenges. At Hyde, we do all we can to ensure that costs of remediation projects are not


passed onto our residents. Tis involves applying to the Government’s Building Safety Fund to recover the cost of work carried out. For example, the Gary Court remediation cost £10m. We were awarded


£6.4m through the Building Safety Fund; the remainder we covered. Tis meant no charges were passed on. Additionally, the technical aspects of removing old cladding and installing


new systems are complex. Ensuring that the new cladding integrates seamlessly with existing structures, without compromising their integrity, demands high levels of expertise and precision. Unfortunately, there’s a limited pool of qualified contractors and materials available for such specialised work, which can cause delays. And navigating the complex regulatory environment can be laborious with


varying standards and approval processes, requiring meticulous attention to ensure compliance at every stage of the project. Te Building Safety Act has led to increased scrutiny and stricter safety


regulations, requiring building owners to create a record of all the components that make up the external wall of buildings.


“We have a responsibility to use our knowledge and expertise to create homes that residents feel safe in and can be proud of.”


Luke Driscoll of Hyde Group As well as giving confidence to residents that their building is safe, it also


means owners are in a better position to make informed decisions about how to manage and repair buildings. Tat’s because addressing these issues can also reduce the future repairs


and maintenance burden – savings which we can reinvest in building and maintaining homes – and also improve the sustainability of our buildings. High- quality, sustainable cladding materials oſten offer better insulation and energy efficiency, cutting bills and making homes more affordable to live in. Our priority, like all social landlords, has always been to provide our residents


with safe homes. By carrying out remediation work on our buildings, we’re demonstrating to


our tenants and stakeholders – our commitment to building safety, fostering trust and confidence within our communities. And of course, completed remediation projects, backed by relevant


certification, give residents reassurance that their building is safe. And homeowners can sell and remortgage their homes. Gary Court has now secured an A1 EWS1 – the highest fire safety rating


for remediation work. Tis means the building is safe and doesn’t contain any combustible materials – so no further external wall work will be needed. We have a responsibility to use our knowledge and expertise to create homes


that residents feel safe in and can be proud of. We’re working with our local authorities, and like-minded contracting partners, to efficiently remediate buildings, making them safe, because we can’t stand by and wait for others to fix the problems.


Luke Driscoll is asset management & sustainability director at Hyde Group www.housingmmonline.co.uk | HMMAugust/September 2024 | 23


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