Just sitting in on a session looking at #virtualhousingfestival on the EWS1 form. @mhclg sitting on the panel.

MHCLG Chandru Disaneyeke says that asking developers and building owners what is on the external walls is not new or controversial but says the truth is so many haven't been doing this for so long.

Also is keen to stress that an EWS form is 'not a safety assessment' it is merely a method that has been drawn up to assess whether materials on the wall are combustible or non-combustible so a valuation can be done properly.

Also, distances the government from the EWS form and stresses that this is a solution created by the sector.

This is an interesting explanation from MHCLG director of building safety Chandru Dissanayeke about why the government has focused on external walls and external wall remediation.

Says that the gov is aware of a bank that is saying it will accept a signed statement on what is on the external wall, instead of an EWS.

After saying that many building owners don't know what is on the external wall of their building, do wonder how that would solve anything.

Mr Dissaneyeke says the @RICSnews EWS 1 form is good 'for consistency and clarity' but says it should be focused on a smaller sub-set of buildings.

Also stresses that an EWS 'is not a safety assessment for a building' and points out that certain buildings may need further checks around safety.

He believes there must be a way that the 'brilliant minds in the banking sector' can come up with a system where they think about how to factor in costs, in relation to uncertainty and risk, into buildings to enable people to secure mortgages in a faster way.

Concludes by saying the gov is trying really hard to resolve this issue with lender because it is not acceptable but says ultimately it is a result of 'decades of negligence' by everyone involved. Says now that needs to be acknowledged and all must come together to resolve it.