UK housing industry commits $6.5 billion for safety measures

(Reuters) – The UK government on Wednesday reached an agreement with the housing industry to contribute 5 billion pounds ($6.50 billion) towards building safety measures as the country steps up pressure on builders following a fire tragedy in 2017.

The removal of flammable rooftop covering or cladding became a hot political topic after the Grenfell Tower tragedy where more than 70 people died in the fire in the high-rise block in London, triggering a widespread inquiry into fire safety of buildings.

($1 = 0.7696 pounds)

(Reporting by Aby Jose Koilparambil in Bengaluru; Editing by Arun Koyyur)