Reports that EWS1 issue remains unresolved by recent MHCLG intervention, lenders continue to insist on surveys for low-rise and medium-rise buildings

Inside Housing, the BBC, and others have reported that lenders intend to continue to require EWS1 forms for medium and low-rise buildings under 18m in height. This is despite the recent statement by Robert Jenrick MP, the Secretary of State for Housing, that EWS1 should not be required for such buildings.

Both the Government and RICS have previously intervened on the EWS1 issue and each time little actual change has been seen as a consequence. The issue appears to be that lenders are unwilling to change their policies on risk until the Government changes its building advice. MHCLG has said that it intends to withdraw the January 2020 Consolidated Advice Note (CAN) but offered no timescale for this. A new British Standard for fire risk assessments, PAS9980, is currently being drafted and is slated to replace the CAN but until the detail of that document is seen the future remains uncertain.

In the meantime, more buildings of all heights will continue to fail fire surveys. The surest route to pass EWS1 is to remove and replace all combustible materials in the building’s external envelope, including on specified attachments such as balconies. If you are a building manager and have experienced issues with your combustible balconies, call the AliDeck team to discuss your requirements on 01622 235 672 or email info@alideck.co.uk.