The British government will fund the replacement of cladding on private high-rise residential blocks at a cost of STG200 million ($A372 million) in a bid to prevent another Grenfell Tower fire disaster.
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A fire in the tower in west London on June 14, 2017, cost the lives of 72 people, with its fast spread blamed on the building's flammable exterior cladding.
The British government funding will be made available to remove aluminium composite material cladding from around 170 privately owned high-rise buildings across the UK.
It comes after almost two years of inaction from some building owners, some of whom tried to make leaseholders foot the bill.
Campaigners welcomed the news, with Grenfell United, a group of survivors and the bereaved, saying it offered hope to people feeling at risk at home.
Building owners will have three months to claim the funds, with one condition being that they take "reasonable steps" to recover the costs from those responsible for the cladding's presence.
Prime Minister Theresa May said: "It is of paramount importance that everybody is able to feel and be safe in their homes.
"That's why we asked building owners in the private sector to take action and make sure appropriate safety measures were in place.
"And we've seen a number of private building owners doing the right thing and taking responsibility, but unfortunately too many are continuing to pass on the costs of removal and replacement to leaseholders.
"Today I can confirm we will now be fully funding the replacement of cladding on high-rise private residential buildings so residents can feel confident they are secure in their homes."
Australian Associated Press
