Combustible cladding found in UK tower blocks

LONDON – Around 600 tower blocks in England have similar cladding to the burnt-out Grenfell Tower, Downing Street said yesterday, while combustible cladding has been found on at least three public housing blocks.

Prime Minister Theresa May said the government had arranged to test cladding on “all relevant tower blocks” following the deadly June 14 inferno, with some failing the tests.

Meanwhile English local authorities estimate that 600 high-rise buildings have used similar cladding to the Grenfell Tower in west London.

The panels have been widely blamed for the rapid spread of the fire which consumed the 24-storey public housing block, leaving 79 people presumed dead.

Downing Street declined to specify whether the cladding on the tower block was combustible or not, citing an ongoing investigation.

“We cannot and will not ask people to live in unsafe homes,” May said in a statement to parliament.

She said the relevant local authorities and fire services had been informed of those blocks failing the tests but did not specify what action would be taken.

More than 100 buildings a day can be tested and May urged landlords to send samples for rapid assessment.

All social housing landlords have been instructed to conduct fire safety checks on tower blocks.

May said landlords were expected to provide people with alternative accommodation if buildings were found to be unsafe.