<p>Acting on advice from the Expert Panel, the government has commissioned research from the Building Research Establishment (BRE) to support further understanding of the fire performance of Non-Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) external wall systems. This includes bespoke medium scale tests on timber cladding panels</p><p> </p><p>The results of this research will be published shortly. So far, the results show that none of the materials tested present as significant a fire hazard as ACM (and other metal composites) with unmodified polyethylene core.</p><p> </p><p>Subject to the research findings, a decision will be made as to the testing of further materials used on external wall systems, including timber cladding. This may include tests at large medium or small scale. We currently have no plan to commission a large-scale fire safety test on systems, incorporating timber cladding or expanded polystyrene.</p>