William Eichler 15 June 2021

Boroughs call for ‘fit for purpose’ fire safety regime

Boroughs call for ‘fit for purpose’ fire safety regime image

London boroughs marked the fourth anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire yesterday by calling on the Government to put in place a fire safety regime that is ‘fit for purpose’.

London Councils said that the fire, which killed 72 people, exposed critical issues with the building safety regulatory regime.

The 2021 Fire Safety Act and Building Safety Bill included in the Queen’s Speech strengthens fire safety regulation, the group acknowledged. However, it only applies to buildings taller than 18 metres or with more than six storeys.

London Councils insisted that legislation should be based on the overall risk profile of a building, not an ‘arbitrary height measurement’.

They cited the case of the fire at Samuel Garside House in Barking, which is six storeys high and just under 18 metres tall. While no one was hurt, it required 79 households to flee to safety as the building went up in flames within minutes.

The group also called for robust powers for local authorities to enforce fire safety in leaseholder-owned properties and insisted there needed to be ‘significant investment’ in social housing.

‘Boroughs want to work with government to ensure all residents are safe and feel safe in their homes. Four years on from Grenfell, further and faster action is required to ensure a fit for purpose fire safety regime,’ said Cllr Darren Rodwell, London Councils’ executive member for housing & planning. ‘In my own borough of Barking and Dagenham, we have seen that buildings below the 18-metre threshold for the government’s funding and legislation can still pose a real threat to residents’ lives, and I know local authorities across the capital agree. ‘We need significant investment from government in social housing to address our residents’ legitimate concerns about fire safety and ensure they can live in homes which meet their needs.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Residential Assistant

Essex County Council
£25081.00 - £25395.00 per annum
Residential AssistantPermanent, Full Time£25,081 up to £25,395 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Planning Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 11 £39,513 to £43,693 Grade 12 £42,708 to £46,731 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
Durham County Council is looking for experienced and knowledgeable Senior Planning Officers to join our vibrant Development Management team. Our team Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Head of Service – Social Care

Wrexham County Borough Council
G15 £63,148 - £67,058 per annum
There is an exciting opportunity within Children Social Care to join the senior management team Wrexham (Wrecsam)
Recuriter: Wrexham County Borough Council

Head of Service Social Work & Specialist Support

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
Grade M scp 60 £72,118 - scp 64 £77,293
There couldn’t be a more exciting time to join us. Blackburn, Lancashire
Recuriter: Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

Cafe Assistant - Weald Country Park

Essex County Council
Up to £13.3000 per hour
Café Assistant (Weald Country Park)Contract
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner