The red- t ape trap

MY COLLEAGUE Keeba Critchlow and her junior-doctor husband Ben are still being forced – by stupidity and bureaucracy – to pay for two homes. They had to move so that Ben could take up his new hospital duties. They cannot afford this.

They are among many trapped by ridiculous demands for a form proving the cladding on their old home is safe. But although it is safe, they can do nothing to speed up the issue of this form. And so they cannot sell their London flat to willing buyers. And every week of delay hurries them towards bankruptcy.

This procedure, born out of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, has become a monster. Robert Jenrick, the Cabinet Minister responsible, must know all about it. His officials certainly do, because I have told them. A word from him would unjam this mess. Perhaps he might speak that word as a Christmas present for all those suffering the unintended consequences of his own Government.