The MP for Ipswich has written to a government minister calling for funding to replace unsafe cladding.

Leaseholders at Churchmans House in Portman Road have submitted a planning application to replace the unsafe cladding on the external walls, as well as funding application for internal fire safety work.

Jack Abbott, Ipswich MP, has supported these plans and has written to the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Building Safety and Homelessness, Rushanara Ali.

He is asking the Department to approve full funding for the necessary remedial action, and guarantee the cost doesn't fall on the leaseholders in the building.

Jack Abbott, MP for IpswichJack Abbott, MP for Ipswich (Image: Newsquest)

He said: "I am pleased that the new Labour government has promised to accelerate the pace of remediation for leasehold properties.

"Those who are responsible for the building safety crisis should be the ones paying to fix it. It should never come down to leaseholders to fork out thousands on legal fees.

"I will work with the Labour government to deliver on their ambitious promises regarding building safety and reform of the leasehold system."

Churchmans House in IpswichChurchmans House in Ipswich (Image: Google Maps)

In July 2023, the block of flats was put under special measures due to fire safety concerns. It was placed on a 24/7 walking watch.

This follows the full evacuation of Cardinal Lofts in Ipswich, built by the same, now insolvent developer, in February 2023.

Mr Abbott has written to the Department stating this situation "should not be allowed to similarly deteriorate for the residents of Churchmans House."

Mr Abbott wrote: "Here in Ipswich, there have been several clear examples of why we desperately need to push ahead with action and reform to finally tackle the country’s building safety crisis. Hundreds of people have been affected in our town alone and we must put an end to this constant uncertainty which puts lives on hold indefinitely."It is not the only tower block to face cladding issues, with residents living in The Mill fighting for change for more than 10 years. 

In 2013, the complex was deemed unsafe after gale-force winds tore cladding from the tower. In 2014, fire experts warned that cladding on The Mill was so unsafe that all residents should be moved out. 

The tower block has a new owner after being sold for just £1 last month, with the buyer setting out his plans to ensure the work is completed.

John Howard estimates it will take at least £30m to finish the job.