NFCC highlights challenges in building remediation efforts

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has called for a centrally coordinated programme to overcome barriers to remediating unsafe buildings.

Publishing a new Industry White Paper on Remediation, NFCC states that while some progress has been made, significant challenges remain.

These include difficulties in identifying and inspecting affected buildings, workforce shortages, and funding pressures.

NFCC is urging the Government to increase the use of sprinklers in existing residential buildings over 11 metres based on risk assessments.

The council also highlights concerns about the slow pace of remediation efforts and the impact of limited fire safety resources.

Remediation targets and ongoing concerns

The Government’s Remediation Acceleration Plan, published in December, aims to complete remediation of all buildings over 18 metres within government-funded initiatives by the end of 2029.

Buildings over 11 metres with safety defects should either be remediated or have a clear completion timeline by the same deadline.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) estimates that up to 12,000 buildings over 11 metres need remediation.

However, 60% of affected buildings have yet to be identified.

According to NFCC, reviewing or inspecting all mid-rise residential buildings between 11 and 18 metres could take between 12.76 and 24.23 years, with costs ranging from £284.24 million to £608.82 million.

Funding and workforce challenges

Fire and rescue services continue to face increasing responsibilities, including the effects of extreme weather events and ongoing inflationary pressures.

NFCC states that many services will experience real-term funding reductions under next year’s local government financial settlement.

Even with additional funding, NFCC warns that workforce shortages in the construction and fire safety sectors would hinder progress.

Training fire engineers takes three to five years, and many professionals move to higher-paying private sector roles.

The limited availability of qualified personnel has also contributed to wage inflation.

NFCC is calling on the Government to develop a cross-departmental Construction Skills Strategy to address the shortfall in fire engineers, fire risk assessors, and other key roles.

Call for regulatory and competency reforms

The NFCC’s White Paper also urges the Government to implement recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report.

These include measures to improve occupational regulation and competency in fire safety professions.

The council is also advocating for updates to building regulations guidance to ensure compliance with the Building Regulations 2010.

NFCC states that a more coordinated and strategic approach is needed to prevent further delays and ensure that residents in unsafe buildings receive necessary protections.

NFCC Chair Mark Hardingham said: “The Grenfell Tower fire was a national tragedy, and yet nearly eight years on, not enough progress has been made in addressing issues in the built environment.

“We need to put the proper processes in place now to fully identify and remove the barriers to remediation, to manage risk and ensure people are protected.”

NFCC calls for centralised programme to address unsafe building remediation barriers: Summary

NFCC has published an Industry White Paper on Remediation, calling for a centrally coordinated approach to address barriers in remediating unsafe buildings.

Challenges include workforce shortages, difficulties in identifying affected buildings, and funding pressures.

The Government’s Remediation Acceleration Plan aims to complete remediation of all high-rise buildings within government-funded schemes by 2029.

However, NFCC warns that existing capacity constraints mean that reviewing or inspecting mid-rise buildings could take up to 24 years.

The council is urging the Government to introduce a Construction Skills Strategy to address shortages in fire safety professionals.

NFCC is also calling for regulatory reforms and increased use of sprinklers in residential buildings over 11 metres.

NFCC Chair Mark Hardingham and Protection Committee Chair Dave Russel stress the need for urgent action to avoid further delays and ensure the safety of residents in affected buildings.