THE government announcement that it will fund safe cladding for private high-rise buildings following the Grenfell tragedy has been welcomed by Greater Manchester leaders.

However questions have been raised about the scope of the £200 million of funding allocated.

Paul Dennett, chairman of the Greater Manchester High Rise Task Force said: "I welcome the announcement by Government today that funding is to be made available to remove and replace unsafe aluminium composite material cladding in private high-rise residential blocks of flats across the country.

""However, this does not go far enough to ensure the safety of residents in high rise buildings. Nor is there yet enough clarity as to which buildings are and are not covered by this announcement. Similarly, it seems that the £200 million of funding is being diverted by the Secretary of State from other important housing projects.

He added: "There is a very real danger of a safety lottery for residents."