EWS1 Process – Cladding & External Wall System

Cladding & External Wall System (EWS1) process

Where a Valuer has specific concerns with the materials used for the external wall system, they will recommend us to seek confirmation of the fire safety status of the block, in line with the latest RICS guidance.

Below details our cladding policy, in some scenarios an EWS1 form may not be required. In the event none of the scenarios apply, an EWS1 form will be required to progress the application.

Government/Developer Funded Works

Where all external wall system remediation works for the block have been approved for Government funding under the Building Safety Fund (+18m) or Cladding Safety Scheme (11m) in England, or equivalent in Wales or the Developer has signed the Government contract to cover the cost of repairs, an EWS1 is not required.

If funding is provided by one of these routes, we don’t need any documentation, simply let us know how the works are being funded and we will complete our own checks.

We cannot proceed if an application has been made for funding but is not yet approved.

New Build Blocks

We can issue a mortgage offer without an EWS1 for a flat/apartment in a new build block, on the understanding an acceptable EWS1 form confirming an acceptable outcome is sent to us prior to completion.

An EWS1 form may not be required if the Developer, Builder or Building Owner can provide in writing, on headed paper, confirmation that the building is being built in accordance with The Building (Amendment) Regulations 2018 (or equivalent in Wales and Scotland). Proof of appropriate planning consents may also be requested.

Privately Funded Imminent Remediation Works

Where all external wall system works have been costed and will be funded by the Freeholder/Managing Owner (with no costs being passed to leaseholders) and are due to commence within the next 6 months, we may be able to proceed subject to the building manager/developer confirming in writing:

The block details
That the cost of repairs is fully funded and no costs are being passed to leaseholders
The start date of repairs
Expected end date of repairs
When completed, that the works should be sufficient to ensure the block would be given an acceptable EWS1 outcome (A1, A2 or B1).

Blocks up to 6 Storeys

For blocks up to 6 storeys high, where metal cladding is present, an EWS1 may not be required if the building owner or managing agent can confirm in writing, on headed paper, they are not constructed of ACM/MCM or HPL.

A letter will only be accepted where there is a low proportion of cladding on the building and there are no vertically stacked balconies as described below.

Where any balconies are vertically stacked above each other and either both the balustrades and decking are constructed with combustible materials (e.g., timber), or the decking is constructed with combustible materials and the balconies are directly linked by combustible materials, an EWS1 form will still be required.

An EWS1 form must be signed by an appropriately qualified individual following a full fire safety review.

Building Safety Act Protections

Where there is no funding or no route to remediating a block, but the subject property qualifies for the protections under the Building Safety Act 2022 TSB may be able to lend.

A signed copy of the Leaseholder Deed of Certificate should be provided to be reviewed.

EWS1 Form: Option A

TSB will accept full members (not a graduate or affiliate) of one of the following professional bodies completing Option A of the form:

Architects Registration Board (ARB)
Association of Consultant Approved Inspectors (ACAI)
Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE)
Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT)
Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)
Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE)
Construction Industry Council Approved Inspectors Register (CICAIR)
Institute of Clerks of Works and Construction Inspectorate (ICWCI)
Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)
Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE)
Institute of Fire Safety Managers (IFSM)
Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE)
Local Authority Building Control (LABC)
Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
Society of Façade Engineers (SFE)

Option B

TSB will accept the form with Option B completed by an individual that is a Chartered or Incorporated Engineer (CEng or IEng) with full membership with the IFE (MIFireE or FIFireE).

RICS / CABE / IFE professionals who have completed the RICS EWS Training course may sign Option B for residential buildings below 18m which are low or medium risk. For complex or high-risk buildings (such as those incorporating a basement car park or high-risk commercial premises) an IFE member (CEng / IEng) as above would be required to complete the assessment and sign the form.

Acceptable Outcomes

Following validation checks, TSB will accept EWS1 forms with the following outcomes: