Residents’ £2m cladding bill

RESIDENTS in a building with the same cladding as Grenfell Tower face a £2million bill to make their homes safe.

Leaseholders are each being asked for between £13,000 and £31,000 to reclad the complex as its owner has refused to pay.

First Port, property manager for freehold owner Proxima GR Properties, told them work will begin on Citiscape in Croydon, South London, “once full funds are in place”. But local Labour MP Steve Reed said: “It is an outrage. They’re living in fear.”

The row goes to a tribunal next month. First Port said: “We are working hard to ensure residents are safe and supported.

“Given the pressing need [for] essential safety works and potential costs to leaseholders, we welcome any clarity Government can provide on what support will be available.” Proxima declined to comment.