Agenda item

Report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services.

The Sub Committee considered a report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services in respect of progress made in relation to fire safety matters since the last update report in November 2020.

The Assistant Director advised that sprinklers had been discussed at some length at both the Community and Children’s Services and Projects Sub Committees.  Members of the Community and Children’s Services Committee had recently received a myth busting document, which had been circulated to residents.  The Project Manager was finalising a communications protocol across all estates and was happy to share this with all Members and/or discuss it with the relevant Ward Members.   Members noted that the protocol included the offer of 1-1 contact with residents.  The Assistant Director advised that the sprinklers would work in all flats where the heads had been installed and, access was not required to all flats for the system to function.However, the City Corporation is striving to install them in all properties, particularly in the aftermath of Grenfell and a recent fire at Canary Wharf. 

Following the completion of the destructive testing of fire doors, Members noted that the works to Holloway Estate would take place first.  The Project Leader explained that some bespoke elements concerning York Way would require additional costing but works to both estates would start on site in the Summer of 2021.   In respect of the replacement of front doors in Petticoat Tower, notices had been posted in respect of asbestos removal, and the remaining 50% of works would commence as lockdown eased.  

The Assistant Director advised that a new round of fire risk assessments would be completed this year, and on the advice of the fire officer, the 5 high rise blocks would be inspected first.   By the next meeting of the Sub Committee in July, it is expected that Turner Townsend, the City Corporation’s approved consultant would have submitted a full programme, setting out when each block would be risk assessed.  Once the assessments had been carried out, the Sub Committee would receive a new action plan, reflecting the works done and any further legislative changes.   

In response to questions, the Assistant Director advised that the fire sprinklers and doors were classified as improvements and residents would not be recharged.   However, the maintenance costs of the doors and sprinkler would be rechargeable under the terms of the Lease. 

RESOLVED, that – the report be noted.