Applications open 17 August 2026, with an eight-week application window. Here is what Responsible Entities, freeholders and managing agents need to know about eligibility, evidence and proportionate cladding remediation.
The UK Government has announced expanded support for residents living with unsafe cladding. The Cladding Safety Scheme (CSS) will extend funding eligibility to certain residential buildings below 11 metres where a suitable PAS 9980 Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls (FRAEW) identifies life-safety fire risks.
This change broadens the scope of the Cladding Safety Scheme and gives eligible lower-rise buildings a route to funding for proportionate remediation of unsafe external wall systems.
What Has Changed in the Cladding Safety Scheme?
- The scheme extends to eligible residential buildings below 11 metres where a PAS 9980 FRAEW identifies life-safety fire risks.
- Applications open on 17 August 2026 and remain open for eight weeks.
- Funding supports proportionate remediation of unsafe external wall systems, subject to the scheme requirements and assessment.
Who Should Prepare for the CSS Application Window?
Responsible Entities, freeholders, managing agents, housing associations and their consultants should review affected building portfolios now. Preparing before the application window opens will give project teams more time to assemble the technical evidence needed for a robust submission.
PAS 9980 and FRAEW: Key Technical Requirements
Eligibility will depend on suitable evidence. Project teams should prepare:
- A PAS 9980 Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls (FRAEW) completed by a competent fire risk appraiser.
- Clear evidence identifying life-safety fire risks.
- A proportionate cladding remediation strategy supported by robust technical information.
The FRAEW should inform the scope of work rather than assume that every external wall component requires replacement. This evidence-led approach is central to developing a proportionate remediation strategy.
How Cladmate Supports Cladding Remediation Projects
Cladmate Facade Systems supports clients and project teams through the specification and delivery of compliant façade build-ups. Our support includes:
- Technical collaboration with fire and façade consultants to coordinate the external wall design.
- Rainscreen cladding support systems, including brackets, rails and carrier systems for project-specific build-ups.
- Brick slip cladding systems, including mechanically fixed and insulated options.
- Coordinated insulation specification, including Thermawool A1 non-combustible stone wool insulation.
- Design coordination and value engineering to help keep the remediation scope practical and proportionate.
- Access to façade support products and system components for coordinated procurement.
Steps to Take Before Applications Open
Start by identifying buildings that may fall within the expanded criteria and confirming whether a current, suitable FRAEW is available. Bring the Responsible Entity, fire risk appraiser, façade consultant and design team together early so that technical evidence is consistent. Review the existing wall build-up, known defects, proposed remedial measures and likely procurement lead times. Where replacement components are required, confirm compatibility, fire performance, structural loads, thermal performance and installation details as part of one coordinated specification. An early review can reduce avoidable design changes during the application and delivery stages.
Prepare Before the Eight-Week Funding Window
Early preparation can help Responsible Entities and their advisers identify evidence gaps before applications open. Cladmate’s technical team can review project requirements, coordinate compatible façade components and support the development of a practical remediation solution.
Contact Cladmate to discuss your CSS remediation project and arrange an initial technical review.
Cladding Safety Scheme FAQs
When do CSS applications open for buildings below 11 metres?
Applications are due to open on 17 August 2026, with an eight-week submission window.
What is a PAS 9980 FRAEW?
A FRAEW is a Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls undertaken using the PAS 9980 methodology by a competent professional. It assesses the fire risk posed by an external wall construction and informs proportionate risk-management or remediation measures.
Does CSS funding cover cladding and insulation?
The scheme supports proportionate remediation of unsafe external wall systems. The precise funded scope will depend on the FRAEW findings, scheme eligibility and the approved remediation strategy.
Information is based on the government announcement available at the time of publication. Applicants should check the latest official Cladding Safety Scheme guidance before submitting.