You are viewing 1 of your 1 free articles
Government launches emergency tower block audit
The government has launched an urgent audit to find out details of the tower blocks local authorities and housing associations own.
The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) is asking local authorities and major housing associations to confirm how many tower blocks they own above six storeys.
The DCLG will also be looking to identify various details of the buildings, including their size, the number of residents and what action they are taking to reassure their residents. It will also be asking for details of any refurbishments that have been undertaken in the past 15 years, especially if these include the addition of external cladding.
READ MORE
Following this audit, which is expected to be completed today, the government will act on information from fire investigators and endeavour to make those buildings safe.
Communities secretary Sajid Javid told BBC Breakfast this morning that he expected that information to be provided "either later today or certainly over the weekend".
Lord Porter, chair of the Local Government Association (LGA), said: “Following the horrific fire at Grenfell Tower, councils with tower blocks in their local area have been working with their local fire service, and undertaking urgent reviews of their high-rise buildings.
“Fire risk assessments and the construction of buildings are being reviewed and double checks are being made to ensure remedial work recommended under previous assessments has been carried out. Councils are also working closely with tenants to review and offer fire safety advice.”
