Michael Gove has said he wants to remove controversial guidance which has made lenders reluctant to lend on smaller tower blocks “before Christmas”

The housing secretary yesterday gave parliament the first indication of a timetable for the withdrawal of its Consolidated Advice Note (CAN) – a piece of guidance which said External Wall Fire Review Forms (EWS1) forms are required on all blocks under 18 metres in height. The continued existence of the CAN has been a major barrier to lenders and valuers updating their practices to no longer require EWS1 forms as now desired by ministers.

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