Morning Briefing: BBC investigates Grenfell cladding testing

The BBC has published the findings of an investigation into the cladding on Grenfell which claims certain tests show it was certified to a lower standard than advertised.

The cladding was advertised as Euroclass B, the equivalent of the UK ‘Class 0’. Many in the sector believe this was enough for compliance with the requirements of Approved Document B.

Cladding firm Arconic said it did share the rating with “various customers and certification authorities”.

You can read the full investigation here.

Elsewhere, Labour has issued a warning that government plans to replace a mortgage benefit with loans could leave people struggling financially.

The government plans to replace Support for Mortgage Interest funding with loans.

But Margaret Greenwood, shadow work and pensions secretary for Labour, told the BBC: “Even at this late stage, the government could and should think again and halt this change.”

A Scottish investor has launched a new fund to invest in housing projects in major European cities, reports Scottish Housing News.

Leicester Council is planning to use Right to Buy receipts to buy back homes previously sold under the policy, the Leicester Mercury reports. Inside Housing analysis published today shows Leicester is one of the places with the largest deficits between Right to Buy sales and replacements.

A senior fire fighter in a south London borough wants to see sprinklers installed in homes for vulnerable people, the Southwark News reports.

The Telegraph reports house builders including housing association Clarion have bought £1bn of land in Ebbsfleet, a major government-backed housing development.

And finally, Belfast Council has spent £3,000 replacing benches used by rough sleepers which it previously removed. This followed a backlash from homelessness campaigners.