Cladding Safety Scheme applications after the July 2026 update
The Cladding Safety Scheme (CSS), administered by Homes England, funds eligible work addressing life-safety fire risks associated with cladding on residential buildings in England. It is not limited to non-ACM systems, and meeting the criteria does not create an entitlement to funding.
Step 1: identify the correct eligibility route
For the established CSS route, the current guidance covers eligible multi-occupancy private and social housing. The responsible entity — or an authorised representative — applies; leaseholders and residents generally cannot apply directly. The building must have cladding and a FRAEW that recommends work to address life-safety fire risks, alongside the full tenure, lease and works-timing criteria in the scheme guidance.
Under 11 metres: applications open for eight weeks
Guidance published on 9 July 2026 adds targeted funding for eligible multi-occupied residential buildings under 11 metres containing two or more dwellings. A PAS 9980:2022-compliant FRAEW must identify unsafe cladding presenting a serious life-critical fire safety risk. Applications open on 17 August 2026 and close to new applications at the end of the eight-week window. Funding is prioritised by risk and remains subject to availability.
Step 2: submit the required evidence
A CSS application needs a FRAEW following PAS 9980:2022, responsible-entity and building information, details of the cladding and external wall system, and a Fire Risk Assessment where available. Homes England may also ask about reasonable steps taken to pursue developers, insurers, warranty providers or other alternative funding routes. Building Safety Regulator registration is not a universal CSS eligibility requirement.
Step 3: technical, eligibility and cost review
Homes England reviews the applicant, legal and technical criteria, audits the FRAEW, and assesses whether proposed works are necessary, proportionate and reasonably costed. Queries or further evidence may be required. For the under-11m route, high-risk valid applications are prioritised and then progressed in submission order.
Step 4: funding decision and delivery
Funding and payment arrangements follow the applicable Homes England grant agreement. Approval for any preliminary support is not confirmation of full funding, and applicants should not assume an approval timetable. Once funding is agreed, the responsible entity remains accountable for procurement, delivery, resident communication and compliance with the scheme conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Which buildings may be eligible for the Cladding Safety Scheme?
The current routes cover eligible multi-occupancy residential buildings in England with cladding-related life-safety fire risks identified through a FRAEW. Detailed applicant, building, tenure, lease, works-timing and funding criteria apply; Homes England decides eligibility.
Can a building under 11 metres apply?
Potentially. The targeted route published on 9 July 2026 covers eligible multi-occupied residential buildings under 11 metres with two or more dwellings where a PAS 9980:2022 FRAEW identifies unsafe cladding presenting a serious life-critical fire safety risk. Applications open on 17 August 2026 for eight weeks.
What evidence is needed?
A FRAEW following PAS 9980:2022 is central. The application also requires responsible-entity and building information, cladding and external-wall evidence, and a Fire Risk Assessment where available. Homes England may request further legal, technical, cost or alternative-funding evidence.
How long does a CSS application take?
The official guidance does not promise a fixed approval period. Timing depends on eligibility checks, FRAEW audit, evidence quality, technical and cost review, queries, risk prioritisation and funding availability.
What costs may be funded?
Reasonable eligible costs must address life-safety fire risks associated with cladding and external wall systems as recommended in the FRAEW. General maintenance, wider renewal, building-insurance premiums and unrelated fire-safety work are among the exclusions in current guidance.
How we can help
CSS / BSF Funding Advisory
End-to-end support with CSS applications, evidence preparation and programme management.
View ServiceCladding Remediation
Design, procurement and management of cladding remediation projects.
View ServiceRequest a Consultation
Discuss your CSS application with our fire safety team.
Contact UsOfficial scheme guidance
Links checked 18 July 2026. Homes England must confirm eligibility, evidence requirements and funding for a particular building.
Cladding Safety Scheme
GOV.UK Cladding Safety Scheme overview, updated in July 2026.
Buildings under 11 metres
GOV.UK under-11m fund overview, published 9 July 2026.
Savas Bulduk
BSc (Hons) MRICS, Director & Chartered Building Surveyor.
Writes on Building surveying, Fire safety and facade, External wall systems, Technical due diligence, Contract administration. See the full team profile.