Agenda item

A report detailing prosecutions in respect of fire safety management failures and arson related incidents within the period 1 April 2018 to 1 June 2018 was provided. 

There were no recent prosecutions cases reported under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 however a number of investigations were taking place which may lead to prosecution.

Five cases of arson convictions were reported during the period. 

In addition, protection and business support information included:

·        that Dame Judith Hackitt had published an independent review of building regulations and fire safety following the Grenfell tragedy.  The report set out over 50 recommendations for government to enable a more robust regulatory system for the future;

·        details of a successful prevention and protection seminar that had taken place in May 2018; and

·        an update on the Primary Authority Scheme.

As part of the report, the Deputy Chief Fire Officer introduced Area Manager Tony Crook to present a case of interest that demonstrated partnership working.

AM Crook advised that under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 Fire and Rescue Services had a legal duty to enforce in the common areas of all residential accommodation (which did not form a single private dwelling); and under the Housing Act 2004, the Local Authority enforced fire safety standards, having regard to relevant fire safety documents published by government and in accordance with any guidance jointly agreed with the Fire and Rescue Authority.

In addition to re-inspections under the risk based fire safety inspection programme, Fire Safety Departments also had responsibility for: statutory consultations, promoting fire safety, responding to requests for advice and investigating complaints.

With finite resources, work undertaken by inspecting officers was prioritised as follows:

·        reducing the immediate risk of very serious injury to persons;

·        enforcement action in support of the above (including preparing prosecutions);

·        other enforcement notices and action plans;

·        follow up inspections prior to the expiry of time limits on enforcement notices;

·        responding to statutory consultations within agreed timescale in an appropriate manner;

·        completing the re-inspection programme;

·        follow up inspections to examine progress against enforcement;

·        targeted inspections;

·        sample inspections;

·        all other activities, including the promotion of fire safety general fire safety advice and business support.

In response to a question raised by CC Shedwick, AM Crook confirmed that the Service received thousands of requests for advice from partners and members of the public which was why it was important to prioritise. 

Actions undertaken to reduce risk included: close liaison with other enforcing authorities, rehousing of residents, prohibition of premises, additional measures to reduce risks to residents, prosecution of responsible persons, further enforcement action and support of prosecutions by other enforcing authorities.

AM Crook presented a case study of Keirby Hotel, Burnley where following a complaint a multi-agency inspection took place and serious concerns over health and safety, specifically fire safety were identified.  This resulted in a prohibition notice being served by the Fire Service and Local Authority Housing.  The permanent residents that were housed in the Hotel had been moved into short term and temporary accommodation by Burnley Council.

The total number of enforcement notices issued in the last 12 months was 133.  These premises would be revisited to check that the work had been done.

LFRS was tireless in finding high risk premises, protecting vulnerable people and making them safe; and with the help of partners, improving fire safety standards across the county.

RESOLVED: - That the Authority noted and endorsed the report.