Issue - meetings

This report set out the findings and recommendations of the recent Scrutiny Task Group which considered the Fire Safety of Low-Rise Domestic Properties in Brent.

It was RESOLVED:

7.1       That the report (attached within the agenda pack as Appendix 1) and the recommendations contained therein, be noted.

Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of the Council, welcomed Councillor Janice Long, Chair of the Task Group on Fire Safety of Low-Rise Domestic Properties, to the meeting. Councillor Long began by thanking the members of the task group – Councillors S Choudhary, Duffy, Harrison and Hossain.

Councillor Long stated that, following the fatal fire at Grenfell Tower in June 2017, there had been significant focus by different levels of government on the fire safety of domestic properties across the country. She continued by saying that nationally, this had included: the Department for Communities and Local Government’s Building Safety Programme; a public inquiry into the circumstances of the fire; and the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety.

Councillor Long clarified that, in Brent, the Council had published its fire risk assessments (FRAs) for Council properties, and updated the 2017-18 housing works programme to include fire safety measures for tower blocks. The Council had further agreed for £10 million to be spent on a package of enhanced fire safety measures for high rise blocks, and also undertaken a number of other measures.

Councillor Long highlighted the important issue of ensuring that fire alarms were tested regularly. She also stated that bulky items stored in communal areas could pose a fire risk, or an obstruction to escape in the event of a fire.

Councillor Long encouraged members of the Cabinet to use the Council’s communications channels to regularly publicise the important issue of fire safety.

Councillors Hirani and Miller thanked Councillor Long for her introduction and welcomed the task group’s recommendations.

Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of the Council, thanked Councillor Long and the task group members for their work. He said that as the one year anniversary of the tragic fire at Grenfell Tower approached, it was essential to maintain the important issue of fire safety in residents’ minds.

It was RESOLVED:

7.1       That the report (attached within the agenda pack as Appendix 1) and the recommendations contained therein, be noted.