Sunderland Central MP Julie Elliott has urged the Government to ensure councils and housing associations have funds to ensure properties are safe – after cladding which failed fire safety tests was removed from five blocks in the city.

“That work was done quickly and the buildings are safe, but obviously more work needs to be done to put them into a good state,” the MP told a Westminster debate on the Grenfell Tower fire on June 26.

“Five tower blocks in my constituency were found on Saturday lunchtime to have this dangerous cladding. By Sunday lunchtime it had all been removed. I praise the housing authority, the local authority and the fire and rescue service for working together.

“Can the Secretary of State assure me that funding will be made available not just to local authorities-the local authority in my area does not have properties; there was a total stock transfer-but to the smaller housing authorities with that responsibility

“Will the correct funding be made available to put right those works? Also, when tower blocks or other buildings are retrofitted, they might comply with building regulations at the time but things change, so will the building regulations be looked at to ensure that when that happens more checks take place?”

In response to Ms Elliott’s questions, Sajid Javid – Secretary of State for Committee and Local Government – stated: “I can confirm to the hon. Lady that our commitment on funding and providing support where necessary for those who need it also applies to housing associations.”