Agenda item

To receive any questions by Members submitted in pursuance of Standing Order 8 (3).

The Mayor reported that two questions had been submitted in pursuance of Standing Order 8(3).

The first question had been submitted by Cr. J. Canty and related to what reassurance could be given to residents of the actions being taken by the Council to ensure the safety and integrity of multi-storey buildings across the Borough and what steps would be taken to maintain the highest standards of fire protection in those buildings following the recent tragedy at Grenfell House in London.

In response, the Health and Housing Portfolio Holder (Cr. Barbara Hurst) stated that, since the tragic events the previous week, she had been working with officers to ensure that the Council’s response was effective, timely and sensitive to the situation.  The Council had responded proactively and in response to instructions from the Department of Communities and Local Government to ensure that multi-storey buildings met the necessary standards of health and safety.  The Council’s focus so far had been on residential blocks to ensure regulatory safety standards were adhered to and the Council was working with Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, the Homes and Communities Agency, registered providers of social housing and Hampshire County Council.

On 14th June, officers had taken immediate action to contact each registered provider operating in the Borough, requesting details of their flatted developments and copies of fire risk assessments.  The Council had received a positive response to that request and registered providers had confirmed that they had taken action to ensure their properties and residents were safe.  The Council had compiled a database to record responses.

On 19th June, officers had submitted the formal response required by the Department of Communities and Local Government, providing details of all blocks of flats in excess of six storeys or 18 metres high.  The Council had identified five blocks that matched the definition and had arranged joint inspections with the landlord and the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service.  Fire safety inspection, advice and guidance fell within the remit of the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and it was guiding the Council in respect of its role and any action it might need to take.  The Council would be carrying out joint risk assessments on all four and five storey flatted developments. 

In addition, the Homes and Communities Agency had advised the Council that it had written to all registered providers to remind them of the obligation to comply with part 1.2b of the Regulators Home Standard (Health and Safety).  This was a follow-up to the Department of Communities and Local Government instruction and had insisted on an immediate email response on any potential non-compliance. 

Cr. Hurst also advised that Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service was working with all high-rise building owners and landlords to ensure all of these structures were inspected and that residents felt safe in their homes.   Cr. Hurst had been working with officers to ensure that the Council could provide all the support and advice it could.  The Council recognised that it needed to maintain momentum in the aftermath of the fire in London and awaited further information following the tragedy.

The second question had been submitted by Cr. A.H. Crawford and concerned landlords’ self certification with respect to fire regulations.

In response, the Health and Housing Portfolio Holder (Cr. Barbara Hurst) stated that the current arrangements had been introduced by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order, 2005, which was based on the principle that those responsible for activities that gave rise to risk also had the responsibility for the fire safety of their premises and the people who could use them.  There was therefore a duty on landlords or owners to carry out fire safety risk assessments and to identify, implement and maintain appropriate measures to ensure the safety of occupants and anyone else likely to be affected by a fire on the premises.  In some circumstances, such as in houses in multiple occupation, there was a joint responsibility between the housing authority and the fire regulation authority in relation to common or shared parts.   In Rushmoor’s case, the Council carried out risk assessments with the landlord where an issue was brought to the Council’s attention.  Cr. Hurst had discussed this with officers and steps would be taken to raise awareness of the health and safety issues and to encourage residents and landlords to contact the Council around these responsibilities.  The Council also intended to use the good liaison arrangements it had with landlords and Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, such as through the Landlords’ Forum, to highlight responsibilities and to ensure that action was taken in premises where residents might be anxious.