Cladding Safety Scheme (CSS)
Mar 2026
The Cladding Safety Scheme (CSS) is a government scheme administered by Homes England to address life-safety fire risks associated with cladding on residential buildings in England.
Where a building is applying for CSS funding, the application must include a Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls (FRAEW) completed by a firm on the CSS FRAEW Assessor Panel.
We are a member of the Homes England Cladding Safety Scheme FRAEW Assessor Panel
Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls (FRAEW)
CSS FRAEWs are undertaken in accordance with the methodology and reporting requirements specified by the scheme, including PAS 9980. The assessment considers the external wall construction, materials, building characteristics and relevant fire safety factors to establish the level of risk and appropriate recommendations.
For a FRAEW submitted as part of a CSS application, the assessment must meet the scheme’s requirements.
CSS Assessor Panel
Completed by a firm on the Homes England CSS FRAEW Assessor Panel.
PAS 9980 Methodology
The FRAEW must follow the PAS 9980 methodology specified by the CSS.
Competence
The report must clearly identify the assessor’s qualifications, competence and experience.
Clear Risk Conclusion
The FRAEW must be conclusive about the level of risk against the PAS 9980 benchmark criteria.
CSS Summary
The required CSS FRAEW summary must be provided with the assessment.
Recommendation
Where action is required, the FRAEW should identify an appropriate solution to reduce the risk to a tolerable level.
If you would like to carry out a FRAEW or have an existing FRAEW or EWS1 assessment needing review, please discuss with us.