MSPs seek views on proposed levy to remove cladding in the wake of Grenfell fire

Housebuilders are being urged to have their say on proposed legislation which could see them have to pay new charges to help with the cost of removing cladding in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire.

MSPs on Holyrood’s Finance Committee want to hear from building firms and tax experts about the Scottish Government’s plans.

Ministers have brought forward legislation which, if passed, would see a levy charged on construction firms building certain residential properties.

The Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill is similar to measures being developed in England as part of efforts by both the Scottish and UK governments to respond to Grenfell.

The fire in the high-rise block in London in 2017 killed 72 people, with cladding material on the outside of the building believed to have contributed to the spread of the flames.

He added: “We want to hear from the housebuilding sector and from tax experts, and from anyone else with views for or against the Bill, or how it could be improved.”People have until August 15 to submit their views online at https://yourviews.parliament.scot/finance/building-safety-levy-bill.