The news comes after the Metropolitan Police revealed last week that it was examining the aluminium composite tiles which were installed on to Grenfell Tower as it investigates into the fire on 14th June.
Sajid Javid, secretary of state for communities and local government, said work was being undertaken to ensure the safety of other residents in high-rise buildings.
The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) has revealed that the number of buildings from which cladding samples have failed a combustibility test at the Building Research Establishment was now 60 across 25 local authorities.
All landlords and fire and rescue services for these authorities have been alerted to the results and the DCLG has been in touch with them to support and monitor follow-up action.
Camden and Sunderland have recorded five buildings which failed the tests, while four were reported in Manchester.
The Local Government Association (LGA) represents 370 councils across England and Wales and said councils were contacting residents living in tower blocks whose cladding had failed tests and was working with fire services to establish what action needed to be taken.
“Councils are also supporting social and other landlords in their area to help them in their work to ensure the safety of their residents when cladding on their buildings fail tests,” said the LGA.
- Local authorities and housing associations carry out fire safety checks on high-rise developments
- 68 new homes made available to Grenfell Tower families
- Construction health and safety fines double
“Where cladding fails the test, this will not necessarily mean moving residents from tower blocks.”
Residents in Camden were evacuated based on fire inspectors’ concerns about a combination of other fire hazards together with the cladding.
The LGA added: “Working with fire service experts to assess risks, a number of councils have already introduced other fire safety measures in buildings, such as 24 hour a day warden patrols, when advice from the fire service is clear that this will mitigate against fire risks ahead of the removal of cladding.
"For those areas still waiting for [the] results of tests on aluminium composite material (ACM) cladding, our advice to them is to prepare contingency plans so they can take any measures needed quickly.”
The LGA reassured residents in high-rise buildings that councils would act on any advice from the fire service to ensure their safety.
“The LGA has a team of staff working closely with councils and the Department for Communities and Local Government around the clock to help local authorities as they continue to support communities affected during this difficult time.
“We also continue to press the government to ensure councils have the funding they need to support residents and carry out any new safety measures.”
To find out the areas which have failed the combustibility tests, visit the DCLG website.



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