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Housing: Fire Safety

Answer

Under the Housing Act 2004, local authorities already have strong powers to tackle hazards in residential property, include the risk of fire. Local authorities may compel private landlords to make necessary improvements through the issuing of improvement notices, and in the most severe cases, can issue prohibition orders the effect of which would be to close all or part of a property. In addition, under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, landlords, as ““responsible persons””, have a duty to risk-assess fire safety in the common parts of buildings, take adequate precautions and manage any remaining risk. Fire and rescue authorities have a legal duty under the order to enforce its provisions in the common areas of residential accommodation such as blocks of flats and houses in multiple occupation. To support landlords and others effectively to put in place and manage appropriate fire safety arrangements, the Department for Communities and Local Government provided funding to the Local Government Group to develop new fire safety guidance specifically for those with fire safety responsibilities in purpose built flats, including tower blocks. This guidance, developed in partnership with the housing and fire sector, was published on 29 July and is available on the Local Government Group and Department for Communities and Local Government websites. We recognise the immense value a properly maintained smoke alarm adds to life safety. The Fire Kills campaign is continuing to run during 2011-12, promoting the key message to householders of having a working smoke alarm in their home.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

13173; 732 c157WA

Session

2010-12

Related items

Housing: Fire Safety
Tuesday, 29 November 2011
Written questions
House of Lords

Subjects

Housing Fire prevention

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk