ALMOST all blocks identified as having Grenfell-style cladding are still coated in the same combustible material nearly two years on from the tragedy that left 72 dead.

Eight out of 10 blocks found to be covered with cladding, known as flammable aluminium composite material (ACM), still have it in place, according to the government’s own data.

The figures, highlighted by Labour yesterday, represents 354 of the 433 tower blocks found to have been built with the dangerous material.

Labour shadow housing minister Sarah Jones said: “Yet again, we are faced with the reality of this government’s reckless approach to fire safety in tower blocks.

“The news today that families of Grenfell victims must wait until 2021 for justice simply adds to the feeling that focus has slipped from this crucial issue.”

Labour has drafted a six-point plan to solve the cladding crisis, including widening the testing programme to cover all suspect cladding and setting a deadline for all blocks to be made safe.

In January, cladding removal started on just a single block out of those covered in flammable ACM cladding.

A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson said: “Enforcement notices have now been issued on
the vast majority of these remaining buildings to get information on building construction from owners.

“Once buildings with ACM cladding systems are identified, local authorities work with fire and rescue services to ensure that interim safety measures are in place and to ensure that the buildings are remediated to comply with building regulations.”

Many former Grenfell residents are still awaiting proper housing more than a year and a half on from the June 2017 disaster.