The consultation calls for views on revising the building regulations to prevent the use of combustible materials on the inner leaf, insulation or cladding of residential buildings more than 18m high.
James Brokenshire, speaking in the Commons on Monday said: “The Grenfell tower fire was an appalling tragedy and we must do everything we can to ensure a disaster like this never happens again.
“The cladding believed to have been used on Grenfell Tower was unlawful under existing building regulations. It should not have been used.
“But I believe that the changes on which we are consulting will offer even greater certainty to concerned residents and to the construction industry.”
The government came under growing pressure to outlaw combustible cladding after the independent Hackitt review failed to recommend a ban.
The consultation will end on 14 August 2018.
