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Written question asked by Baroness Harman (Labour) on Thursday, 8 June 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 13 June 2023 (named day). It was answered by Lee Rowley (Conservative) on Tuesday, 13 June 2023 on behalf of the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

Flats: Fire Prevention

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, whether his Department is planning to provide support to residents who are being required by their insurer to remediate significant building fire safety defects on buildings under 11 meters in height, but whose building developer is rejecting a claim on the basis that the fire risk to individuals was deemed significantly low enough for the building to achieve a B1 EWS1 rating; and if he will make a statement.

Answer

It is generally accepted that risk to life is proportional to the height of buildings. There is no systemic risk in buildings under 11m, which are very unlikely to need costly remediation to make them safe.

Where an external wall assessment carried out in line with guidance from the British Standards Institute (PAS 9980) shows acceptable risk, premiums should reflect that. Insurers should offer affordable premiums and should not be prescribing additional remedial works. My department is engaging with insurers on this matter.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
188449
Session
2022-23
Subjects
Leasehold Fire prevention Flats Repairs and maintenance
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk