Leaseholders in Luton are facing "unaffordable" increases in charges to pay for the removal of cladding on their building. The cost of service charge and sinking fund contributions, which pay for building's maintenance, is expected to increase by over £500 a month from April. This increase is intended to cover the costs of the fire safety remediation works and removal of the cladding in 2027-28. Following the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire, Thomas DeRonde received a £65,000 bill for the work and the replacement of his housing association's cladding. The government has pledged to provide funding on a "strictly exceptional basis" to address life-critical fire safety risks when there is no alternative funding. The situation has caused significant anxiety and stress, and has affected DeRond's ability to provide for his family and financial stability.