RSH publishes findings on fire safety remediation in English social housing
The report highlights the responsibility of boards and councillors to understand landlords’ legal obligations in relation to managing the safety of buildings
Today (Thursday 16 November 2023) the Regulator of Social Housing published the findings from a survey on the fire safety of 11 metre plus buildings in the social housing sector.
All social landlords (including housing associations and local authorities) were asked to submit data to RSH and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on the fire safety remediation of 11 metre plus buildings for which they are responsible.
The results show:
- Fire risk assessments have been undertaken on 98% of all buildings reported
- The vast majority of social landlords have plans in place to address life critical fire safety defects identified across the relevant buildings
- Remediation work is completed or due to be completed in the next five years for 71% of 11-18 metre buildings and 84% of 18 metre plus buildings assessed as having an external wall system related LCFS defect.
The report highlights the responsibility of boards and councillors to understand landlords’ legal obligations in relation to managing the safety of buildings, seek assurance that they are being met, and address identified issues promptly.
RSH is following up with providers whose returns indicated that they may be an outlier on their progress in assessing or remediating the buildings they are responsible for.
Will Perry, Director of Strategy at RSH, said:
"Landlords must understand their buildings, manage them safely, and take timely action to remediate fire and other safety defects so their tenants are safe and can feel safe in their homes.
"We will continue to engage with providers to ensure this remains a high priority."