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I recall watching a television documentary in the 1990s which dealt with the dangers posed by aluminium cladding where the core was made of polyurethane, I recall. The insulation was flammable and fire could spread in cavities, unseen and undetected. Dangers associated with this type of cladding have been known about for a long time. One insurer referred to this type of insulation as “solid gasoline”.

Of course, if it deemed acceptable by the building regs then it will be specified especially in low budget projects such as social housing.

It reminds me of some of the issues raised by the Hillsborough disaster and the “unlawfully killed” verdict. The Daily Mail seemed very keen about the fact that the Police might be prosecuted. But the stadium’s design definitely contributed to the disaster. The stadium did seem to have been designed with a very clear intention to prevent pitch invasions. But this would be like an architect designing a building without fire escapes. How do you evacuate the building in case of dangerous overcrowding? Building control must have approved the designs?

Ultimately, those who pass legislation defining what is a legal minimum standard of safety for buildings have a massive responsibility for the safety of occupants.