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Written question asked by Andrew Percy (Conservative) on Friday, 16 February 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 20 February 2024. It was answered by Lee Rowley (Conservative) on Thursday, 22 February 2024 on behalf of the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

Buildings: Fire Prevention

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, whether he plans to change fire safety requirements for buildings over 11m; and whether he intends to extend fire safety regulations for high rise buildings to buildings under 18m.

Answer

The Government announced its intention to make provision for second staircases in tall buildings at or above a threshold height of 18m, in July 2023. A second staircase will offer additional capacity for escape and fire-fighting in the event of a significant incident. The Written Ministerial Statement of 19 February 2024 confirmed that the Building Safety Regulator will aim to publish new guidance on second staircases before the end of March 2024.

The Government is not currently proposing to extend building safety regulations for high rise buildings to buildings under 18m.

We continue to keep the safety requirements for buildings, including those under 18m, under review. For new buildings of any height, Building Regulations performance requirements including Part B ‘Fire Safety’ must continue to be met.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
13988
Session
2023-24
Related items
Long-Term Plan for Housing Update
Monday, 19 February 2024
Written statements
House of Commons
Subjects
Buildings Fire prevention Regulation
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk