This announcement by the Government is a welcome step forward.

The EWS1, whilst undoubtedly important for higher risk buildings with cladding, has caused much confusion and frustration for all parties involved. To date, many of our clients have seen sales of leasehold properties delayed as they have insisted that under guidance an EWS1 is not needed for particular properties, but lenders have maintained otherwise. ‘Rock’ and ‘hard place’ spring to mind.

This statement is a clear marker in the sand that the form is not needed where a building has no cladding and includes proposals for greater clarity and resources moving forward for those properties with cladding.