Agenda item

The Director for Growth and Regeneration to submit a report to provide the Committee members with an update on the actions taken so far for managing fire risk in Council owned residential properties with communal areas and propose the approval of two policies:

-       Fire Safety Policy - covering all council owned properties

-       Mobility Scooter Policy - for council owned residential blocks with communal areas.

The Director for Growth and Regeneration

(a)  submitted a report (copies of which had previously been circulated to Members) providing the Committee with an update on actions taken to manage the fire risk in Council owned residential properties with communal areas and proposing the approval of two policies : the Fire Safety Policy, covering all Council owned properties and the Mobility Scooter Policy, for Council owned residential blocks with communal areas;

(b)  advised that high risk properties had been identified (sheltered housing schemes and residential housing blocks with communal areas).  A thorough review of fire safety arrangements was in progress, including formal surveys and Fire Risk Assessments, which started in May 2018 and would be completed by June 2019.  Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) had undertaken spot check examinations and had issued the Council with informal enforcement notices for three properties.  Action Plans had been agreed with LFRS and identified works were being actioned immediately.  The Council’s Senior Leadership Team had oversight of the progress, lead Members and TFEC were regularly briefed and tenants were kept informed.  It was anticipated that this work would complete in early April 2019;

(c)  highlighted that the communal meeting room at Mapperley House had been closed until further notice, due to identified risks.  A full refurbishment of the room would be undertaken and it was anticipated that this work would complete in early April 2019;

(d)  provided an overview of the report, highlighting the following key issues

              i.        Fire Safety Management Policy: It was considered best practice for the Council to have this Policy, as detailed at Appendix A of the report and a refresh had been required, to reflect recent changes to fire safety guidance.  The Policy provided clear guidance for managing fire safety within Council properties and detailed the Council’s commitment to ensuring the health, safety and welfare of all users.  The two new posts, which had been approved last year were in place and it was proposed that an additional Compliance Officer position be created.  The Policy would be reviewed on an annual basis.

            ii.        Mobility Scooter Policy: The recent fire risk assessments had highlighted the risk of storing mobility scooters within communal areas of residential schemes.  This Policy, as detailed at Appendix B of the report, mainly applied to the storage of scooters in supported schemes and general needs properties.  It provided guidance on scooter use and storage, aiming to achieve a balance between the accessibility needs of tenants, the duty to manage fire risk and the practicality of providing appropriate storage facilities.  The Council had identified a small number of scooters stored in communal areas and would liaise with owners to agree alternative arrangements to ensure fire safety standards were met.  It was anticipated that this would complete by the end of February 2019.

           iii.        Fire Safety Management Working Group: The Tenants Forum Executive Committee (TFEC) would create an informal Fire Safety Working Group, consisting of three TFEC members and one Member of each of the three Policy Committees.  The purpose of the Group was to jointly prepare a tenants engagement plan, ensuring awareness of fire risk etc and to support the Council in its implementation of the above-mentioned Policies and actions arising from Fire Risk Assessments;

The Chair highlighted that this was a positive report on an important issue and expressed thanks to officers who had supported tenants and had worked closely with TFEC to ensure that tenants’ needs were identified and prioritised.

A Member emphasised the importance of the Council ensuring safety standards (eg electrical wiring) at its properties were met and the Chief Executive agreed the need to focus on fire safety, stating that there had been significant underinvestment in the Council’s housing stock, resulting in some long-standing issues.  This was unacceptable and needed to be addressed as a priority.  Re-wiring work at Council owned residential properties would be completed in two years, rather than four years.  This would be discussed further with Members at the Fire Safety Briefing on 13 February 2019.

Members referred to paragraph 6.5 of the report, emphasising the potential fire hazard (and pests) caused by improper storage of external waste.

A Member commented that the Council may find it difficult to comply with/enforce paragraph 4.5 of the report, as many mobility scooter users did not have insurance cover, to obtain the Council’s permission to keep scooters.

The Director for Growth and Regeneration advised that the Council was eager to work with tenants to discuss and agree other options, which would be more suitable.  Consultation would be used to ‘tease out’ alternative approaches.

The Chief Executive advised that it was important for the Council to increase its awareness of such issues.  The aim was to implement a two-pronged approach, working with tenants to find suitable options and having the tools and ability to take enforcement action when necessary as well.

A Member queried what process the Council had adopted in relation to checking fire/smoke alarms and advised that they were aware of these being disconnected by a tenant.  The Director for Growth and Regeneration confirmed that fire/smoke alarms were checked monthly, as part of the fire safety assessment undertaken by the Compliance Officer.  If alarms had been disconnected, enforcement action would be taken.

Another Member referred to paragraph 6.4 of the Fire Safety Management Policy.  They commented that the wording ‘extinguishers are provided for use by trained competent persons’ and ‘all employees are required to familiarise themselves with the extinguishers provided’ could cause confusion for staff.  They also highlighted other areas of the Policy, could be re-worded to ensure a better understanding of Policy requirements was achieved.  In addition, it was important to highlight that in the event of a fire, staff should evacuate the building, rather than tackle it.

The Chair confirmed that he and the Director for Growth and Regeneration would consider some re-wording of the Policy.

A Member asked if TFEC required training and the Chair confirmed that this may help with their work and would be discussed with them.

There being no further comments or questions from Members, Councillor Orson moved the recommendation and Councillor Glancy seconded.

RESOLVED that

(1)  the risks and actions being put in place, relating to fire safety in Council owned residential properties with communal areas be noted;