The Regulator of Social Housing published the findings from its latest quarterly survey on the fire safety of 11 metre plus buildings in the social housing sector.
All social landlords are required to submit quarterly data to RSH and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on the fire safety remediation of relevant buildings for which they are responsible.
Of the 17,299 relevant buildings reported, 99.9% had fire risk assessments undertaken and 11.1% (1,920) were reported as currently having a life critical fire safety (LCFS) defect relating to the external wall system (EWS).
73.6% of relevant buildings with a LCFS EWS defect are expected to be remediated within five years. Landlords have said that remediation timelines can slip due to factors such as navigating complex legal arrangements, difficulties sourcing contractors and supply chain delays.
Landlords are expected to keep accurate data and rigorous systems in place to make sure all tenants are safe. This includes any necessary mitigating measures to protect residents while works are completed.
Since 14 June 2017 a total of 2,545 buildings have been identified as having an EWS-related LCFS defect, with 625 (24.6%) of these buildings having been remediated historically and a further 123 (4.8%) buildings having work completed but awaiting a new building works assessment.
RSH will continue to monitor the performance of landlords in remediating 11 metre plus buildings and the progress they are making against their plans.
Will Perry, Director of Strategy at RSH, said:
“Tenants’ health and safety is non-negotiable and we have a number of tools at our disposal – including these surveys, as well as proactive inspections and responsive engagement – to make sure landlords are making the necessary progress on fire safety remediation.
“Boards and councillors have a duty to seek assurance that landlords are meeting legal obligations for building safety, and that risks are being well managed and promptly remedied."
“This includes any risks to tenants while work has not been completed.”
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