The UK Government has begun consultation on banning combustible cladding on high-rise residential buildings.

The move comes after the publication of former health and safety chief Judith Hackitt’s independent review, commissioned following last year’s Grenfell Tower blaze.

More than 70 people died when fire ripped through flammable cladding on the west London building, and similar materials have been widely used in Australian cities.

The Hackitt report says the current system is not fit for purpose, and the Government has announced a series of measures in response.

It will consult on a ban of flammable cladding on high-rise buildings, and will ban desktop assessments if it is not demonstrated they can be used safely.

It will change the law to strengthen the building regulatory system, “with strong sanctions for those who fail to comply”, and restructure fire safety guidance to ensure clarity.

This is in addition to £400 million ($717 million) announced to fund the removal and replacement of cladding on social housing buildings above 18 metres.

“[Grenfell] was a terrible tragedy that should never have happened,” Secretary of State for Housing James Brokenshire said.

“I welcome Dame Judith Hackitt’s comprehensive report and her calls for fundamental reform in the building sector. I am committed to making that happen as quickly as possible.

“The cladding believed to be on Grenfell Tower was unlawful under existing building regulations. It should not have been used.

“I will ensure there is no room for doubt over what materials can be used safely. Having listened carefully to concerns, I will consult on banning the use of combustible materials in cladding systems on high-rise residential buildings.

“We must ensure the tragedy at Grenfell brings change.”