Regulator issues fire safety advice to social landlords

A precautionary review in South Ayrshire will ensure that all properties meet relevant safety standards
A precautionary review in South Ayrshire will ensure that all properties meet relevant safety standards

The Scottish Housing Regulator written to all social landlords in Scotland to issue fire safety advice following the recent tragic fire at Grenfell Tower in London.

In the letter, chief executive Michael Cameron said the Regulator will consider what further steps it needs to take once the outcomes are known from the short term ministerial working group announced last week by minister for local government and housing Kevin Stewart to review current Scottish regulations.

Mr Cameron also urges that all landlords, not just those with high rise properties, notify the Regulator immediately if any potential risks to the safety of tenants are identified.

At least 79 people are expected to have been killed after a blaze broke out at the 24-storey tower in West London in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

The Scottish Housing Regulator’s letter in full reads: “I know that you will be aware of the recent tragic fire at Grenfell Tower in London. The Minister for Local Government and Housing wrote to all social landlords yesterday to confirm that he will convene a short term ministerial working group to review Scottish regulations and to take any necessary actions arising from this. We will consider what further steps, if any, we need to take when we know the outcomes from this work.

“We are aware that many landlords moved swiftly to consider whether what happened in London raises any issues for fire safety in buildings they own or manage. We would ask all landlords, not just those with high rise properties, to consider this and to notify us immediately, if you identify any potential risks to the safety of tenants.

“I know that local authorities and RSLs work closely with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to ensure the safety of tenants, particularly residents in high rise buildings. Specific safety information relating to high rise buildings is available on the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service website.

“If you require any further advice on safety information you can also contact your local Fire and Rescue Service.

“In the meantime, if you have not already done so, you should consider whether you need to reassure your tenants about the steps you are taking as a landlord to identify any risk and remind tenants of the practical measures they can take to protect themselves from fire.

“I hope this is helpful and please let me know if there are any actions you think we could take to further protect tenants.”

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