Camden Council’s proactive approach to fire safety

Camden Council has marked a significant stride in fire safety by being among the first in the country to complete fire safety improvements using the national Building Safety Fund.

This initiative, focused on the Cromer Street Estate in King’s Cross, represents a pioneering step in enhancing fire safety standards for social homes in the UK.

£7 million investment for safer homes

The council invested £7 million in replacing the façades of the Bramber, Glynde Reach, and Gatesden buildings with A1 rated cladding.

This investment, part of the larger £200 million commitment to safety improvements across its housing stock, has been essential in addressing fire safety concerns.

Improving aesthetics and insulation alongside safety

In addition to fire safety, the new cladding has significantly improved the exterior appearance of the buildings and the quality of insulation, aiding in temperature regulation and potentially reducing energy costs for residents.

Resident engagement in the safety process

A key aspect of this project was the active engagement of local residents.

Regular interactions with council officers and contractors, coupled with a dedicated team for resident queries, underscored a commitment to transparency and collaboration in enhancing safety.

Comprehensive fire safety measures by Camden Council

Since 2017, Camden Council has been dedicated to achieving the highest standard of safety.

This commitment is evident in their comprehensive programme of fire safety works, including the installation of appropriate fire doors, emergency lighting, fire alarms, and regular fire risk assessments in over 3,200 buildings.

Cladding replacement: Government support through Building Safety Fund

The national Building Safety Fund, launched by the UK government in May 2020, has provided significant support in this endeavour.

With a total funding of £1.6 billion, it aims to meet the costs for remediation of unsafe non-ACM cladding systems on residential buildings over 18 metres tall.

This fund targets both the private and social sectors, ensuring that building safety improvements continue even during challenging times like the coronavirus pandemic.

A history of responsiveness to fire safety

The need for such comprehensive measures stems from past incidents, such as the tragic death of Magdalena Fink in 2017 due to a fire in Camden.

This incident highlighted the importance of proper fire risk assessments and the urgent need for safety improvements in buildings.

Since then, Camden Council has significantly increased its engagement with the London Fire Brigade and has strengthened its fire safety team, demonstrating a clear commitment to resident safety.

IFSJ Comment

Camden Council’s initiative to replace cladding in council homes using the national Building Safety Fund is a significant development in fire safety.

The council’s proactive and collaborative approach, engaging with residents and investing substantially in safety improvements, sets a commendable standard for other councils.

The tragedy in 2017 was a stark reminder of the consequences of neglecting fire safety.

However, Camden’s response, marked by substantial investments and a comprehensive safety programme, illustrates a dedicated effort to prevent such incidents.

This story is not just about cladding replacement; it reflects a broader commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of residents, highlighting the critical role of local authorities in fire safety management.