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Written question asked by Lord Foster of Bath (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 1 September 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 15 September 2026. It was answered by Baroness Blake of Leeds (Labour) on Tuesday, 15 September 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Crown Immunity: Buildings

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government whether (1) high security hospitals or high security units within hospitals, (2) Immigration Removal Centres, and (3) Young Offender institutions and detention centres, are regulated by the Crown Premises Fire Safety Inspectorate; and whether they are covered by Crown immunity regarding fire risk.

Answer

High security hospitals (or high security units within hospitals) are not regulated by the Crown Premises’ Fire Safety Inspectorate (CPFSI). These are inspected by local Fire and Rescue Services.

Immigration Removal Centres are managed by private sector operators and are regulated by the Crown Premises’ Fire Safety Inspectorate (CPFSI). Crown immunity does not apply to the elements of IRCs that are managed by private operators. Where elements remain within the control of the Home Office, Crown immunity applies to these areas only. Short term holding facilities and processing centres operated by the Home Office are regulated by the Crown Premises’ Fire Safety Inspectorate (CPFSI) and Crown immunity does apply.

Young Offender Institutions and Detention Centres form part of His Majesties Prison and Probation Service and are regulated by the Crown Premises’ Fire Safety Inspectorate (CPFSI) and Crown immunity does apply. There are no private operators of Young Offender Institutions and Detention Centres. Secure training schools are privately operated and these are inspected by local Fire and Rescue Services.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL2850
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Crown immunity Fire prevention High security hospitals Secure accommodation Young offender institutions Immigration removal centres Crown Premises Fire Safety Inspectorate
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk