VALERIE VAZ MP WRITES TO WALSALL MBC AND HOUSING GROUPS ON FIRE SAFETY IN WALSALL

Valerie Vaz MP has written to the Chief Executives of Walsall MBC, Accord Group, Sanctuary Group and Walsall Housing Group on fire safety in buildings in Walsall South.

Valerie Vaz MP said:

“I was shocked by the tragedy at Grenfell Tower in Kensington. Following this, I have written to the Chief Executives of Walsall MBC, Accord Group, Sanctuary Group and Walsall Housing Group on fire safety in buildings in Walsall South.”

“I wrote to the Chief Executive of Walsall MBC to confirm its policy on fire safety for apartment towers Houses in Multiple Occupations (HMOs) and to find out whether Walsall MBC’s Housing Standards and Improvement Service are satisfied with these policies.”

“In my letters to the Chief Executives of Accord Group, Sanctuary Group and Walsall Housing Group, I asked if they manage apartment towers in Walsall South, and if so, to outline the fire safety measures at these apartments.”

“I asked each Chief Executive whether a valid Fire Risk Assessment has been carried out in the buildings and whether any recommendations have been carried out, and if there are any still outstanding.”

“I also asked for confirmation that each apartment tower has a smoke detector in every apartment, sprinklers, suitable fire doors, clear escape routes and a fire drill in place that has been communicated to tenants.”

“Many tenants of Grenfell Tower have had their important personal identification documents lost in the fire. I asked each chief executive whether they have any plans to carry out, or have already carried out, any steps to protect tenants’ identification documents in the event of a fire.

“The tragedy at Grenfell Tower should never be allowed to be repeated.”