Overdue fire safety actions found in London Borough of Newham council homes

Regulator identifies over 9,000 overdue safety actions

As reported by the Fire Protection Association, a recent inspection by the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) identified over 9,000 overdue fire safety remedial actions within the London Borough of Newham’s council housing.

The inspection revealed that more than 8,000 of these actions had been overdue for over 12 months, with over 4,000 of them categorised as high risk.

Newham Council, which manages 16,000 homes, received the RSH’s first C4 grading, indicating “very serious failings and fundamental changes are needed.”

Other serious safety and housing issues

In addition to fire safety concerns, the RSH inspection uncovered that 40% of Newham Council’s homes had not undergone an electrical condition test in over 11 years.

Furthermore, 20% of the properties did not meet the Decent Homes Standard, which sets the criteria for housing quality.

The report also highlighted that the council offered tenants “very limited meaningful opportunities” to influence and scrutinise landlord strategies and services.

The council had not voluntarily referred itself to the regulator, which raised further concerns.

Regulator’s response and council’s apology

Kate Dodsworth, Chief of Regulatory Engagement at RSH, emphasised the severity of the situation: “The breadth and scale of these failings, including very serious health and safety issues, pose an unacceptable risk to tenants’ well-being.”

In response to the findings, Newham Council issued a public apology on 16 October 2024.

Council Chief Executive Abi Gbago stated: “We take our responsibilities as a landlord very seriously.

“And we accept that we have let our tenants down in the areas outlined by the Regulator.”

Council pledges improvement

Mayor of Newham, Rokhsana Fiaz OBE, reiterated the council’s commitment to rapid improvements, saying: “Residents living in our council homes deserve better, and I have made clear that the required improvements by the Housing Services department must be swift and rapid.”

The council has already started addressing the majority of issues highlighted by the regulator, backed by a £64 million capital investment programme.

Measures include monthly inspections of firefighting equipment and a mobile hazard removal service.

The council also confirmed plans to complete all overdue fire risk actions.

Overdue fire safety actions found in London Borough of Newham council homes: Summary

The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) has identified over 9,000 overdue fire safety remedial actions in Newham Council’s housing, with over 8,000 overdue by more than a year and 4,000 marked as high risk.

The RSH also noted other serious concerns, such as outdated electrical safety checks and poor tenant engagement.

The council apologised for its failings and committed to implementing the RSH’s recommendations, backed by a £64 million improvement plan.

Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE promised swift action, and the council has already begun addressing the most critical issues raised by the regulator.