Just a Quarter of Life-Critical Fire Safety Defects Fixed in Social Housing Since 2017

Just 811 buildings with life-critical fire safety defects have been fixed since June 2017, of the 2,889 social housing buildings identified with them.

According to the Regulator of Social Housing fire safety survey of 11m+ social housing buildings, published today, just 28.1% have had life-critical fire safety (LCFS) defects remediated. Out of these, 139 (6.7%) buildings are completed but awaiting a new building works assessment.

LCFS defects are defined as defects, shrinkages, faults or other failings in a building that give rise to fire safety risks identified by an industry standard Fire Risk Appraisal of External Wall construction or a fire risk assessment.

Five Years

The Regulator says 1,593 of the buildings not yet fixed (76.7%) are expected to be remediated within the next 5 years.

It adds, “RSH will continue to monitor the performance of social landlords in remediating 11 metre plus buildings and the progress they are making against their plans.”

Free From Fire Safety Risks

Will Perry, Director of Strategy at RSH, said: “Tenants’ homes should be safe, secure and free from fire safety risks. While landlords are making progress in addressing dangerous cladding and other fire safety defects, this work must continue at pace.

“We expect boards and councillors to ensure risks are effectively managed and remediation plans are delivered promptly. Through ongoing monitoring, inspections and engagement, we will continue to hold landlords to account and keep a strong focus on tenant safety.”

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