CIAT statement on use of EWS1 forms

CIAT statement in relation to a Written Ministerial Statement by Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government on 21 July 2021.

Following a Written Ministerial Statement by Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government on 21 July 2021 in response to the Independent Expert Statement on building safety in medium and lower rise blocks of flats and the announcement of the intention to relax the requirements for EWS1 forms; until the Government advice is changed, i.e. the Consolidated Advice Note is withdrawn, the PAS9980 is published, and the Home Office guidance regarding implementation of the Fire Safety Act 2021 is published, the status quo remains and CIAT continues to work with RICS to facilitate training to its Members with the requisite skills and lobby for improvements. Actions required in relation to wider implications in relation to relevant risks continue to be maintained as expected.

The RICS current guidance published on 8 March allows lenders to determine their own policy on lending without an EWS1 Form below 18m. However, the RICS has advised Government that the absence of an EWS1 Form does not remove the requirement under the FSO for an EWS assessment if a building has cladding of concern. Therefore, the EWS training course remains as relevant at this time, as does the need for the Government EWS PII scheme.