The Cabinet considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) setting out the interim results of the Council’s Fire Safety Review, which was established following the Grenfell Tower fire on the 14^th June 2017.

Resolved:

1. That the work undertaken by the Council and South Essex Homes in respect to Fire Safety, be noted and endorsed.

2. That a further update be submitted to a future meeting of the Cabinet.

Reasons for Decision:

As a result of the Grenfell Tower Fire the Council undertook a fundamental review of its fire safety policies and procedures and put in place appropriate resources to ensure it maintains its buildings in a safe condition whilst upgrading them where this is appropriate and practicable.

Other Options:

The Council could decide to maintain all operational properties in their current condition with fire improvement works and, where practicable, to bring them up to the requirements of the latest Building Regulations when they next undergo major alterations and/or extension. All operational buildings would still meet statutory requirements although it could be argued that the Council would not be meeting the section of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 that requires Employers to ‘put in place, and maintain, appropriate fire safety measures’. This option has, therefore been discounted.

The Council could commit to bringing all operational buildings up to current Building Regulation requirements.  However, this will not always be practicable due to the construction and/or age of the building; the building may be listed on the National Heritage List for England, which could limit what works could be undertaken; or changes could be financially unviable. This option has, therefore been discounted.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: Place Scrutiny Committee

Executive Councillor: Cllr Flewitt