Construction and housebuilding industry figures have questioned the fairness and effectiveness of Michael Gove’s plan to coerce developers into contributing towards a £4bn fund for cladding remediation.

The housing secretary yesterday announced plans for housebuilders to pay into the fund, which will be used to remediate tower blocks between 11m and 18m in height. Gove has threatened to restrict grant funding, use planning powers and pursue developers through the courts if they do not pay.