Agenda item

The Chairman introduced the paperinforming on the work that central and local government have been doing following the Grenfell Tower Fire. In particular the report asked the Board to consider actions that have been taken nationally and locally to identify and address fire safety issues in buildings over 18 metres following the Grenfell Tower Fire. The report also asked Members to consider the role of the Board in lobbying for an urgent review of the Building Regulations’ guidance and how best to use a meeting and potential working group drawn from the Fire Services Management Committee, Safer Stronger Communities Board, EEHT and the National Fire Chiefs Council.

In the following discussion Members raised the following points;

·         Views were expressed that local government would need to know the full results of cladding tests before ascertaining how best to progress.

·         Views were expressed that the LGA need to develop a stronger narrative in approaching is, in particular in future discussion with central government.

·         Members raised concerns that councils needed clarity from central government as to the actions they needed to take, and how this will be funded.

·         Members asked that a note be circulated to LGA Boards detailing their specific remit and role on the work that central and local government have been doing following the Grenfell Tower Fire.

·         Cllr Blake also raised concerns from Leeds City Council where they have 116 tower blocks, of which it would cost 240 thousand for each to be retrofitted with sprinklers and that Leeds currently lacked the capacity to retrofit these tower blocks in the near future.

·         Members expressed views that building regulations needed an urgent review, in particular where permitted developments are concerned.

Eamon Lally, Principal Policy Adviser, explained regarding communications to Board Members that the Chief Executive and Chairman’s Bulletins had been used to keep LGA Members informed.

It was suggested that the Board send a letter to the LGA’s Executive expressing the Boards concerns, and asking they push for urgency from central government in providing clarity to local government as to how they should progress in ensuring fire safety in tower blocks. Also, that this letter brings to the LGA Executive’s attention the Board’s request for clarity regarding the issue of permitted development rights and an urgent review of current building regulations.

Decisions

The Members of the Environment, Economy, Housing and Transport

Board;

1.    Discussed and provided feedback on the actions that have been taken nationally and locally to identify and address fire safety issues in buildings over 18 metres following the Grenfell Tower Fire.

2.    Discussed the role of the EEHT board in lobbying for an urgent review of the Building Regulations’ guidance.

3.    Agreed that a letter be sent to the LGA Executive expressing their concerns regarding fire safety issues in buildings over 18 metres following the Grenfell Tower Fire as well as their support for an urgent review of the Building Regulations’ guidance.

4.    Discussed how best to use a meeting and potential working group drawn from the Fire Services Management Committee, Safer Stronger Communities Board, EEHT and the National Fire Chiefs Council.

Actions

Officers to draft a letter for the LGA Executive expressing the views of the Board and this letter to be sent  to the following LGA Executive meeting with all Lead Members agreement, to ensure a cross party consensus.

Officers to circulate an update to all LGA Boards whose remit is affected by the Grenfell Tower Fire and work following this, as well as detailing their role according to each Board’s remit.