Following a review of past projects, Persimmon has identified nine high-rise buildings over 18 metres built by the group where cladding needs to be removed.

A further 17 buildings below 18m will also be assessed using a Government-required risk-based approach to whether cladding needs to be removed.

The firm said it did not now own any of the high-rise buildings and the legal responsibility and duty to ensure the building was safe rested with the current owners.

But it committed to provide technical support to help make these buildings safe and where building owners failed to step up it pledged to provide the support necessary to make sure the work is done.

Roger Devlin, chairman, said: “At Persimmon we believe we have a clear duty to act to address this issue.

“So today we are setting aside £75m towards any necessary cladding remediation and safety work in 26 developments we built.

“Where we still own the building we will act. Where we no longer own them we will work with the owners to make sure they meet their legal responsibilities and duty. If the owner does not step up then we will act to remove uncertainty and anxiety for residents and make the buildings safe.

“This is a decision which we believe is not only right for residents but also the right thing for us to do as one of the leading house builders in the UK.”