The Welsh Government has initiated a new legal advisory scheme aimed at assisting leaseholders of medium and high-rise buildings in Wales who are grappling with fire safety concerns.
The scheme, which began on Friday, May 10th, 2024, provides free, tailored legal advice to help leaseholders address and resolve potential disputes related to fire safety.
Julie James, the cabinet secretary for housing, local government and planning, has emphasised the Government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of residential buildings exceeding 11 metres in height. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to tackle fire safety challenges across Wales.
Leaseholders, or designated representatives, seeking support can contact the Leasehold Advisory Service (LEASE), which will evaluate the cases to determine if legal intervention is necessary. If so, LEASE will direct them to a specialized legal services provider, with the initial consultation costs covered by the Welsh Government.
James said: “We have listened to leaseholder concerns about building safety and the complexities of the legal system surrounding it and we are committed to addressing the barriers that prevent works being undertaken.
“We have delivered on our promise to procure specialist independent legal advisors who can help steer leaseholders and others through any legal difficulties.
“I have always made it clear that I do not expect leaseholders to bear the cost of repairing fire safety issues that are not of their own making, and that I expect developers to step up to their responsibilities.”
