Whether it will provide an update on the Plan of Action on Cladding, which was published in March 2025.

Today I have published the Cladding Remediation Programme: Next Phase Plan of Action which can be found here: www.gov.scot/isbn/9781836919636.There has been significant and measurable progress in expansion and pace since the publication of Plan of Action for Cladding Remediation in March 2025. Notable progress has been seen with the Single Open Call, priority Single Building Assessments, and continuing information-gathering.600 Expressions of Interest have been submitted via the Single Open Call as of 30 June 2025, reflecting significant demand. All submitted Expressions of Interest are being processed at pace, with 258 initial grant funding offers already issued by the Scottish Government as of 24 July 2025.All priority Single Building Assessments via the Scottish Government-led assessment process remain on track to be returned by end of August.The ongoing information-gathering exercise to verify the status of buildings over 18 metres in height has now commenced a second phase, to capture buildings between 11 – 18 metres. I expect to be able to confirm the status of all high- rise buildings with known cladding by end of October 2025.Notwithstanding this considerable increase in pace and progress, there remains an urgent need to speed up the process of assessment, mitigation and remediation. This next phase, August 2025
- March 2026, is defined by key deliverables and supported by a clear model for delivery. The plan I am publishing today aims to ensure this phase moves decisively from identification to resolution and will lay the foundation towards long-term targets. To ensure the success of this phase:I am providing equal access to Government funding for mitigation and remediation works for both private residential properties and social housing, ensuring access to support for mitigation and remediation of cladding-related risks.I am allocating a further £10 million funding to accelerate mitigation efforts, prioritising buildings flagged by Single Building Assessments as posing immediate risks. This includes the proactive use of mitigation measures, and the installation of interlinked fire alarm systems where appropriate, because protecting people’s lives cannot wait.I am increasing funding for the Stage One of the Single Open Call to £20 million, meaning every eligible application received before the end of 2025 will be able to move forward without hesitation.I am launching Stage Two of the Single Open Call, providing owners with a pathway to be considered for further government support for any required mitigation and/or essential cladding remediation works identified through a Single Building Assessment funded through Stage One. Funding will be made available, with applications prioritised against risk.I will ensure the comprehensive data-gathering and assurance exercises include working directly with owners to ensure that buildings are not overlooked and that all data is accurate. Data collection and assurance will continue throughout the lifespan of the programme.I have set a deadline of 31 October 2025 for developers to sign the Developer Remediation Contract, which will hold developers formally accountable to fully fund and deliver remediation on the buildings they are responsible for.Finally, I have committed the Scottish Government to a long-term strategic goal:By 2029 every high-risk residential building over 18 metres in Scotland will have been resolved
- whether made safe, decommissioned or replaced
- and every building between 11 and 18 metres will be on a defined pathway to resolution — supported by robust assessment, planning and funding for essential cladding remediation.There remains a multiplicity of issues and challenges in Scotland, and it is our role to ensure that despite the challenges we provide clear and supported pathways for those responsible to take swift action. I want to assure residents and owners that we are committed to working with all stakeholders to deliver a bu