Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Head of Housing Services.

Scrutiny Committee – Community considered the report at their meeting on 2 June 2009 and their comments will be reported.

(Report circulated)

The report of the Head of Housing Services was submitted seeking Members approval for a new policy regarding the management of fire safety in the Council’s housing stock.

Scrutiny Committee – Community considered the report at their meeting on 2 June 2009 and the support and comments of members were noted.

The Director Community and Environment reported that whilst the safety of residents was paramount, the Council planned to adopt the policy sensitively and in consultation with tenants and leaseholders.  Members supported this approach and acknowledged the safety hazards posed by the storage of objects in communal areas. They requested that particular consideration should be given to the storage of vehicles including mobility scooters. It was agreed to involve ward councillors in discussions regarding properties in their local area.  The installation of sprinklers was suggested and the Director Community and Environment agreed to explore this further.

Executive resolved that the Fire Safety Policy for the Council’s housing stock be approved and that ward Councillors be involved in consultations relating to properties in their wards.

The report of the Head of Housing Services was submitted seeking Members approval for a new policy regarding the management of fire safety in the Council’s housing stock.

Scrutiny Committee – Community considered the report at their meeting on 2 June 2009 and the support and comments of members were noted.

The Director Community and Environment reported that whilst the safety of residents was paramount, the Council planned to adopt the policy sensitively and in consultation with tenants and leaseholders.  Members supported this approach and acknowledged the safety hazards posed by the storage of objects in communal areas. They requested that particular consideration should be given to the storage of vehicles including mobility scooters. It was agreed to involve ward councillors in discussions regarding properties in their local area.  The installation of sprinklers was suggested and the Director Community and Environment agreed to explore this further.

RESOLVED that the Fire Safety Policy for the Council’s housing stock be approved and that ward Councillors be involved in consultations relating to properties in their wards.

(Report circulated)

To consider the report of the Head of Housing Services – report circulated

The Head of Housing Services presented the report seeking approval for a new policy regarding the management of fire safety in the Council’s housing stock. The policy mainly applied to the common areas of flats where the greatest risk of fire existed and the co-operation of residents was central to its success. He explained the legal position where leaseholders preferred to install their own doors, the negotiation process involved in encouraging residents not to leave materials etc. in communal areas and the way in which the legislation was interpreted in conjunction with the Fire Officer. He advised that inspections had been made of all communal areas in the ownership of the Council and that it was a greater challenge for the Council than for Housing Associations to maintain standards because of the higher number of flats in its ownership.

Scrutiny Committee - Community supported the report and requested Executive to approve the Fire Safety Policy for the Council’s Housing stock.

(Report circulated)