Scotland’s Cladding Remediation Strategy: What You Need to Know

The Scottish Government is taking decisive steps to address unsafe cladding through its nationwide Cladding Remediation Programme, which includes key mechanisms such as the Single Building Assessment (SBA), Cladding Assurance Register and the proposed Building Safety Levy. Together, they form a structured and funded approach to identifying risk and financing repair work for affected buildings.

What Is a Single Building Assessment? 

The Single Building Assessment (SBA) is a comprehensive, expert led review of a building’s external wall system. It examines cladding, insulation, fire stopping, and related fire safety features to determine whether remediation or mitigation is needed. The SBA replaces fragmented individual inspections with a single, standardised process to ensure consistency and clarity for homeowners and managing agents. 

The SBA supports buildings over 11 metres in height, focusing on privately owned or mixed tenure residential developments. It is part of Scotland’s wider building safety strategy to improve transparency, accelerate remediation and restore market confidence for those affected by cladding concerns. 

How to Apply and Why Time Is Running Out? 

he Scottish Government’s Open Call model allows groups of homeowners or their representatives to proactively request an SBA and, where needed, access publicly funded remediation or mitigation. However, time is limited as applications currently must be submitted before 30 September 2025 (Pending any further extensions). 

Eligibility criteria include: 

• A residential multi occupancy building 

• Primarily privately owned (though social landlords can be involved) 

• 11 metres or taller 

• A nominated party (such as a factor, managing agent or residents’ association) to submit an expression of interest on behalf of owners 

This initiative has been live since 25th March and is already supporting assessments across Scotland. Buildings identified as high risk through the SBA may receive financial support to carry out necessary works. 

Introducing the Cladding Assurance Register 

Once an SBA has been completed in accordance with government standards, it must be submitted to the Cladding Assurance Register. This official register will store key information from each SBA, including any remedial works identified as being required. It acts as a formal record of a building’s status and supports transparency for residents, owners and regulators alike. 

The Register went live on 6 January 2025, and while access arrangements are still being finalised, Scottish Ministers are required to report to Parliament regularly on its content. The first formal report is expected in summer 2026, with updates to follow annually. Further information about how the public and stakeholders will access the register will be announced in due course, make sure to follow Firntecs socials for updates as they are announced. 

Longer Term: The Building Safety Levy 

To ensure long term funding, the Scottish Government has also proposed a Building Safety Levy as part of the Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill, expected to come into effect from April 2027. The levy will apply to certain new residential developments and is projected to raise £30 million annually for cladding remediation, specifically for buildings where a responsible developer cannot be held liable. 

Key points: 

• The levy applies to larger developers, with exemptions for affordable housing, rural and island developments, and a levy free allowance for small builders 

• It mirrors a similar scheme introduced in England, helping to spread the cost of legacy cladding issues without burdening individual homeowners 

• It aims to support the estimated £1.7 to £3.1 billion needed over the next 15 years to address unsafe cladding across Scotland 

A Coordinated Approach to Building Safety 

The SBA scheme provides immediate support for high-risk buildings, while the Building Safety Levy ensures longer term remediation funding for cases where developer accountability is no longer viable. Together, these tools demonstrate Scotland’s commitment to a practical and well-funded cladding remediation strategy. 

With the initial open call SBA application window closing 30 September 2025, now is the time for property owners, factors and managing agents to act. Proactive engagement will improve building safety and reduce financial uncertainty for residents and stakeholders alike. 

Book a consultation with our compliance specialists to assess your cladding risks and next steps.