Agenda item

Mark Cashin, Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service gave a presentation to Members on the progress of the campaign to introduce a requirement on landlords to install smoke alarms in private rented properties.

The Secretary of State now had the power to ensure working smoking alarms are installed in all rented property but the legislation had not been enacted. The reason behind this CFOA campaign was that the decline in fire deaths had now levelled off. There needed to be more work to start reducing this number even further. Members were informed that only 12% of all rented accommodation did not have a working smoke alarm, however 40% of fire deaths occurred within these properties.

Mark Cashin stated that this campaign would help root out any rogue landlords and prevent them from taking advantage of vulnerable tenants. He said that the feedback received so far on the proposals had been positive and almost all organisations and individuals agree that this was one of the best ways to save lives. It was important that this was seen as not creating vast reams of legislation and regulation; however it was important that some regulation was in place to ensure landlords followed the correct procedures.

He indicated that the rationale behind the regulation was to ensure landlords comply with it, rather than taking forward prosecutions. Following the consultation if there was enough support a full impact assessment was to be carried out. If not, then the government would not pursue it further. Members were reminded that the consultation closed on 28 March.

Members thanked Mark for the presentation and asked a number of questions to which Mark responded including:

•           It was encouraging to see that fire fighters were still keen on going into resident’s homes and installing smoke alarms, this was now seen as one of the fire services core objectives.

•           A range of views were expressed as to the value of pursuing a legislative route to addressing this issue. Some members suggested that regulation could be effective, but that it would represent a new burden for local government which would need to be fully funded. Others pointed to the success of non-legislative campaigns in improving fire safety in the private rented sector.

•           A focus on vulnerable groups would be needed as they were most at risk from rogue landlords.

•           Older people were one of the more vulnerable groups, as the age of the population increased there was likely to be more elderly victims of fire.

•           There was a drive to tackle students, 18 months previously there had been a fire safety students week, which was due to be repeated

Cllr Hammond suggested that it would be useful for the FSMC to contribute to the consultation jointly with the environment and housing board.

Action:

Lead Members to agree draft response to consultation on smoke alarms in private rented accommodation to go jointly with Environment and Housing Board.

Decision:

Members thanked Mark Cashin for the presentation and noted the report.