Fire safety remediation: RSH reports 1,920 buildings with critical external wall defects

by Breaking NewsBuilding ManagementPassiveSafety

Fire safety remediation survey identifies 1,920 buildings with critical issues

The Regulator of Social Housing has reported that 1,920 buildings in the social housing sector in England have a life-critical fire safety defect linked to their external wall system.

According to the latest quarterly data published on 20 March 2025, 17,299 buildings over 11 metres in height were reported by landlords.

Of these, 11.1% were identified as having a life-critical fire safety (LCFS) defect related to the external wall system.

The data was gathered during the Q3 2024/2025 survey, which ran from 13 December 2024 to 22 January 2025 and covers reporting as of 31 December 2024.

Most remediation expected within five years, though delays remain

73.6% of buildings with LCFS defects are expected to be remediated within five years.

However, the Regulator noted that completion dates for 21.1% of affected buildings extend beyond ten years or remain unclear.

Landlords said that delays were caused by complex legal arrangements, difficulties in sourcing contractors and issues in the supply chain.

Remediation work has begun on 355 buildings, or 18.5% of the total affected.

Monitoring continues across all landlords with relevant buildings

Landlords are required to submit quarterly data to the Regulator and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

They are expected to maintain accurate records and ensure risk mitigation measures are in place while remediation work is ongoing.

Will Perry, Director of Strategy at the Regulator of Social Housing, said: “Tenants’ health and safety is non-negotiable and we have a number of tools at our disposal – including these surveys, as well as proactive inspections and responsive engagement – to make sure landlords are making the necessary progress on fire safety remediation.

“Boards and councillors have a duty to seek assurance that landlords are meeting legal obligations for building safety, and that risks are being well managed and promptly remedied.

“This includes any risks to tenants while work has not been completed.”

Data shows historical and ongoing remediation progress

Since 14 June 2017, a total of 2,545 buildings have been identified with an LCFS external wall defect.

Of these, 625 buildings (24.6%) have already been remediated.

An additional 123 buildings (4.8%) have had works completed and are awaiting a new building works assessment.

A total of 478 buildings (24.9%) are reported to have had remediation works either started or completed.

In the most recent quarter, 29% of landlords (434 in total) reported owning at least one relevant building, with most being large landlords with 1,000 or more units.

Fire safety remediation: RSH reports 1,920 buildings with critical external wall defects: Summary

The Regulator of Social Housing published quarterly fire safety remediation data on 20 March 2025.

It reported that 11.1% of the 17,299 relevant buildings in England’s social housing sector have a life-critical fire safety defect related to external wall systems.

The data, covering Q3 2024/2025, showed that 73.6% of affected buildings are expected to be remediated within five years.

Remediation has started on 355 buildings.

Since June 2017, 2,545 buildings have been identified with external wall defects.

Of these, 625 have been remediated and 123 have completed work awaiting assessment.

406 buildings have a completion date beyond ten years or an unclear timeline.

The report stated that delays stem from legal, contractor and supply chain issues.

434 landlords reported at least one relevant building this quarter, mostly large providers.

The Regulator continues to monitor remediation progress through surveys, inspections and engagement with landlords.

Alex Norris MP outlines priorities as incoming Fire Minister

by Building ManagementFeatured NewsPeopleSafety
Image: Alexander Norris ©House of Commons

Fire policy transition to the Ministry for Housing

According to The Emergency Services Times, Alex Norris MP, who will become Fire Minister as fire policy returns to the Ministry for Housing, addressed fire chiefs at the annual LGA Fire Conference about upcoming changes in the fire sector.

He welcomed the establishment of a new College of Fire and Rescue and the role of the Ministerial Advisory Group in addressing long-term challenges.

He described his appointment as a “profound responsibility” and highlighted his prior experience in fire governance, having served on the Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Authority before becoming an MP in 2017, the same year as the Grenfell Tower fire.

Leadership changes in the fire sector

As reported by The Emergency Services Times, Norris acknowledged shifts in leadership across the fire and rescue sector.

He noted that Mark Hardingham will step down as Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council, with Phil Garrigan set to take on the role.

He also pointed to changes within the Fire Services Management Committee, where Greg Brackenridge no longer leads the West Midlands Fire Authority, and recognised the appointment of Steve Wright as the new General Secretary of the Fire Brigades Union.

College of Fire and Rescue and Ministerial Advisory Group

The Minister spoke about the government’s initiative to establish a College of Fire and Rescue, describing it as an idea he has discussed with fire chiefs, authority leaders, and unions over the years.

He expressed enthusiasm for the project, highlighting its potential to enhance leadership and professionalism within the sector.

He also addressed the Ministerial Advisory Group, which has already held initial meetings.

He stated: “It will be an important place where all partners, including government, get around the table and look at long-standing issues.

“It is structured in a way that is collaborative. As a new Minister, I find this exceptionally reassuring.”

Grenfell Tower response and construction safety

According to The Emergency Services Times, Norris referenced the government’s response to the final report on the Grenfell Tower fire, which accepted all 58 recommendations made by Sir Martin Moore-Bick.

He also discussed a green paper on reforms to the construction products regime, encouraging stakeholders to participate in the consultation process.

He stated that fire safety and building regulation discussions are ongoing within the Ministry for Housing, which is led by the Deputy Prime Minister.

Alex Norris MP outlines priorities as incoming Fire Minister: Summary

The Emergency Services Times has reported that Alex Norris MP, set to become Fire Minister as fire policy transitions to the Ministry for Housing, addressed fire chiefs at the LGA Fire Conference.

He spoke about sector-wide leadership changes, including new appointments at the National Fire Chiefs Council and the Fire Brigades Union.

Norris welcomed the formation of the College of Fire and Rescue and the Ministerial Advisory Group, highlighting their role in strengthening leadership and collaboration.

He also discussed the government’s response to the Grenfell Tower final report and a green paper on construction product safety.

He stated that the Ministry for Housing, led by the Deputy Prime Minister, holds regular discussions on fire safety and building regulations.

Residents’ perceptions of fire safety in high-rise buildings: Research findings

by Breaking NewsBuilding ManagementResearchSafety

Study examines fire safety concerns among high-rise residents

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has published findings from a qualitative study on fire safety perceptions among high-rise building residents in England.

The research, commissioned following the Grenfell Tower fire, aims to understand how residents feel about fire safety and what influences their perceptions.

The study, part of the Building Safety Programme, involved nine focus groups with 50 participants from different housing tenures and regions.

It identified key concerns, including fears over evacuation safety, trust in building management, and the effectiveness of fire safety measures.

The findings will contribute to ongoing policy discussions and potential safety reforms.

Trust in building design and management affects fire safety perceptions

Residents’ confidence in fire safety was linked to trust in those responsible for building design, construction, and management.

Some participants expressed concerns that cost-cutting measures take precedence over safety.

Social housing tenants were more likely to feel reassured by their landlords’ fire safety actions, while private renters reported uncertainty over who was responsible for fire safety measures.

Concerns were also raised over building management’s lack of engagement with residents on safety protocols.

Evacuation challenges and fears among high-rise residents

Participants highlighted specific concerns about their ability to evacuate in the event of a fire, particularly those living on higher floors or in older buildings.

Residents with mobility impairments or cognitive conditions were particularly worried about their safety.

Some residents lacked confidence in the fire safety equipment within their buildings and were unsure about proper evacuation procedures.

The research indicated a demand for clearer communication on fire alarms, evacuation strategies, and provisions for vulnerable residents.

Proposals for improving fire safety awareness and engagement

The study explored several proposals to enhance fire safety awareness and resident engagement.

Participants supported the idea of information packs detailing their building’s fire safety features and evacuation procedures.

They also expressed interest in fire safety training courses to improve preparedness.

Residents favoured increased consultation on building improvements but were reluctant to take on decision-making roles due to their lack of technical expertise.

Many supported stronger regulation of short-term subletting, viewing it as a potential fire risk.

Residents’ perceptions of fire safety in high-rise buildings: Summary

A study commissioned by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has examined how residents of high-rise buildings in England perceive fire safety.

The research involved focus groups with 50 participants from various housing tenures and regions.

Key concerns included evacuation challenges, uncertainty about fire safety equipment, and a lack of trust in building management.

Residents of older buildings or those on higher floors were particularly worried about their ability to escape in the event of a fire.

Social housing tenants generally felt more reassured by their landlords’ safety measures, while private renters expressed confusion over fire safety responsibilities.

Participants supported the introduction of information packs and training courses to improve awareness and preparedness.

The findings will inform ongoing discussions about high-rise fire safety policies, with a focus on enhancing communication, resident engagement, and regulatory measures.

Grenfell Inquiry response: Government announces reforms, industry calls for action

by Breaking NewsBuilding ManagementConstructionSafety

Government pledges regulatory overhaul following Grenfell Inquiry findings

The UK government has committed to enacting all 58 recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s Phase 2 report, published on 26 February 2025.

The response introduces stricter construction product safety regulations, enhanced protections for social housing tenants, and a new single construction regulator. Seven organisations named in the inquiry report will also be investigated under new procurement laws, which could lead to them being banned from public contracts.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said: “The Grenfell Tower tragedy claimed 72 innocent lives in a disaster that should never have happened. The final report exposed in stark and devastating detail the shocking industry behaviour and wider failures that led to the fire.”

Stronger regulations for construction and fire safety

The government has outlined a series of reforms to address failings identified in the inquiry, including:

  • The creation of a single construction regulator to oversee compliance and accountability in building safety.
  • New rules for construction products, ensuring stricter oversight of manufacturers and certification bodies.
  • The introduction of a Hillsborough Law, imposing a legal duty on public authorities to disclose the truth in major incidents.
  • Greater legal protections for residents, obliging landlords to act on safety concerns and ensuring social housing tenants can challenge landlords.

Building Safety Minister Alex Norris said: “Our response today to the Inquiry’s findings sets out a comprehensive plan to reform the construction sector, strengthen oversight and make sure that residents are the priority when deciding on building safety issues.”

Industry accountability and enforcement measures

The government will use Procurement Act powers to investigate seven organisations found to have failed in their responsibilities regarding Grenfell Tower. These include Arconic, Kingspan, Celotex, Exova, Harley Facades, Rydon Maintenance, and Studio E Architects.

If the investigations find grounds for enforcement, these companies could be placed on a debarment list, restricting them from securing public contracts.

Angela Rayner said: “The organisations responsible for building safety failures included the government and regulators. The failures of my department meant risks were ignored, delayed, or disregarded.”

Commitment to supporting Grenfell community and long-term reforms

The government has pledged ongoing support for the Grenfell community and will work with the independent Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission to establish a lasting tribute.

Other key measures include:

  • The publication of quarterly progress reports on the implementation of Inquiry recommendations, starting mid-2025.
  • The introduction of a Fire and Rescue College, designed to improve training and professionalism in the fire service.
  • A mandatory accreditation system for fire risk assessors to prevent unqualified individuals from making critical safety decisions.
  • The continued implementation of a new Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEPs) policy for high-risk buildings.

The government has also reaffirmed its commitment to the Remediation Acceleration Plan, aimed at expediting the removal of unsafe cladding from high-rise buildings.

Industry reacts to government’s Grenfell Inquiry response

National Fire Chiefs Council welcomes reforms

Mark Hardingham, chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), said the announcement was an important step but stressed the need for continued progress.

“We strongly welcome the government’s acceptance of the Phase 2 recommendations in full, their commitment to introducing tough reforms to fix building safety, their promise to hold industry to account, and their support in fire and rescue service improvement and reform,” Hardingham said.

He added that fire and rescue services had learned lessons since Grenfell, but further work was necessary to address systemic failures: “Services are now better prepared to respond to fires in high-rise residential buildings. But there is further, significant, work underway.”

Fire Brigades Union calls for systemic change

Steve Wright, general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), welcomed the government’s acceptance of the Inquiry’s findings but emphasised that the response must lead to real change.

“The Grenfell Tower fire was a preventable tragedy. As the public inquiry concluded last year, it was made possible by an agenda of deregulation and decades of political failure,” Wright said.

He called for greater public oversight: “Government at all levels must listen to the voices of residents. The deregulation of recent years must be reversed to prevent profiteers from putting lives at risk.”

London Fire Commissioner supports reform efforts

The London Fire Commissioner also responded to the government’s announcement, welcoming the commitment to change and the increased focus on resident safety.

“We welcome the government’s commitment to put residents at the heart of the system, and that must start with those people most impacted by this terrible tragedy,” he said.

Fire risk assessor highlights concerns over implementation

Benjamin Ralph, head of building safety and fire at built environment consultancy Hollis, supported the introduction of mandatory accreditation for fire risk assessors but warned of potential challenges.

“Mandatory accreditation for fire risk assessors and the regulation of the fire engineering profession is a crucial step forward,” Ralph said.

However, he cautioned that the transition must be carefully managed: “With a skills shortage already challenging building safety, an abrupt shift could delay vital work. The government must provide clear timelines and fund upskilling to ensure residents are prioritised.”

On the Remediation Acceleration Plan, Ralph said: “It’s good to see the government reaffirm its commitment, but progress must be faster. Residents should not have to wait another five years to feel safe in their homes.”

Industry response on fire safety reforms

Lee Goodenough, director at Harmony Fire, described the government’s response as an essential step towards improving safety standards.

“Today marks an important milestone in both the quest for justice and the drive to make resident safety a non-negotiable across the UK,” Goodenough said.

He added: “We now move forward on an agreed pathway, with clear expectations on government actions and deliverables. Harmony Fire is committed to playing our role in making these critical changes happen.”

Government commits to full implementation of Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 recommendations: Summary

The UK government has confirmed it will implement all 58 recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report, published on 26 February 2025. The response includes the creation of a single construction regulator, tougher oversight of construction products, and legal protections for social housing tenants.

Seven organisations named in the report will be investigated under the Procurement Act, which could see them barred from public contracts.

The government will introduce a Hillsborough Law, mandating transparency from public authorities in major incidents. It has also committed to a Fire and Rescue College and new accreditation requirements for fire risk assessors.

The Remediation Acceleration Plan will continue, with the government aiming to remove unsafe cladding from high-rise buildings. Progress updates will be published every three months.

Fire safety organisations, including the NFCC, FBU, and London Fire Brigade, have welcomed the government’s response but stress the need for continued implementation and funding. Fire risk experts have also warned of potential challenges in enforcing new standards without further investment in training.

NFCC calls for centralised programme to address unsafe building remediation barriers

by Associations and OrganisationsBreaking NewsBuilding ManagementConstructionSafety

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.

HSE launches consultation on Approved Document A for building structures in England

by Building ManagementFeatured NewsResearchSafety

HSE seeks feedback on structural safety guidance

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a consultation to gather views on the future of Approved Document A, which provides guidance on structural safety regulations in England.

According to CROSS UK, the call for evidence is open until 21 April 2025 and invites responses from individuals and organisations through an online survey or by email.

This consultation is the first step in a broader review process aimed at ensuring the guidance remains effective.

Approved Document A and its role in building regulations

Approved Document A is part of the statutory guidance that supports compliance with the Building Regulations.

It sets out practical methods to meet structural safety requirements, helping developers, engineers, and regulators adhere to national standards.

Building Regulations cover health, safety, security, access, and sustainability aspects of construction.

The Approved Documents provide a framework for ensuring compliance with these legal requirements.

Consultation details and how to participate

The consultation will run for ten weeks from 10 February 2025.

HSE has encouraged stakeholders to respond via an online survey, which facilitates a more efficient analysis of feedback.

Alternatively, responses can be submitted by email or post.

Participants are asked to specify whether they are responding as individuals or on behalf of an organisation, providing relevant contact details for verification.

Geographical scope and next steps

The call for evidence applies to England only, and there is no impact assessment associated with this consultation.

The responses collected will inform future updates to Approved Document A and contribute to the wider review of structural safety guidance.

HSE’s Technical Policy Team is managing the consultation, and further details on submission methods and contact information are available on the HSE website.

HSE launches consultation on Approved Document A for building structures in England: Summary

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has opened a consultation on Approved Document A, which provides guidance on structural safety under England’s Building Regulations.

The consultation runs from 10 February to 21 April 2025 and seeks input from industry professionals and the public.

Approved Document A is part of the statutory guidance supporting the Building Regulations, helping to ensure compliance with structural safety requirements.

The consultation is open to responses via an online survey, email, or post.

HSE has encouraged participants to specify whether they are responding as individuals or on behalf of an organisation.

This call for evidence applies only to England and does not include an impact assessment.

The feedback collected will contribute to a broader review of structural safety regulations.

Further details, including submission options and contact information, are available on the HSE website.

Fire-resistant honeycomb panels launched by Viva for safer buildings

by Building ManagementConstructionFeatured NewsPassiveProducts

Viva announces fire-resistant FR A1-rated aluminium panels

Viva has introduced its FR A1-rated Honeycomb Panels, designed to enhance fire safety in architecture.

The company states that these panels meet the highest fire resistance standards under European Standard EN 13501-1, ensuring non-combustibility and zero contribution to fire, smoke, or toxic emissions.

According to Viva, the panels are engineered for safety-critical environments, including high-rise buildings, airports, commercial complexes, hospitals, and educational institutions.

The honeycomb core structure provides durability while maintaining a lightweight profile, making it suitable for modern construction.

Compliance with international fire safety standards

The FR A1 rating indicates that the panels meet stringent fire safety requirements.

This classification, under the European Standard EN 13501-1, ensures that the panels do not contribute to fire, smoke, or toxic emissions.

Viva states that the panels have undergone rigorous testing to confirm their performance in extreme fire conditions.

These safety features align with international fire safety regulations, addressing the growing need for fire-resistant materials in construction projects worldwide.

The company highlights that the panels can be integrated into various architectural applications without compromising safety.

Structural benefits and design flexibility

Viva’s honeycomb panels are designed to balance fire resistance with structural integrity.

The honeycomb core allows for strength while keeping the material lightweight, making it easier to install and transport.

The company states that this construction method enhances durability and ensures long-term performance.

Additionally, the panels come with customisable finishes, enabling their use in different architectural designs.

The manufacturer notes that this flexibility allows architects and developers to incorporate fire-resistant materials without aesthetic limitations.

Industry perspectives on fire safety solutions

Nitin Jain, Director of Viva Composite Panel Pvt. Ltd., commented on the product’s development: “At Viva, safety, innovation, and sustainability drive our product development.

“Our FR A1-rated Honeycomb Panels are a testament to this commitment, offering architects and developers an unparalleled solution for fire-safe construction.”

With increasing fire safety regulations in urban developments, manufacturers of building materials are introducing solutions that meet strict compliance requirements.

Viva’s new panels are positioned as a response to this demand, providing an option that integrates fire resistance, durability, and environmental considerations.

Fire-resistant honeycomb panels launched by Viva for safer buildings: Summary

Viva has introduced its FR A1-rated Honeycomb Panels, which meet the highest fire resistance classification under the European Standard EN 13501-1.

Designed for use in high-rise buildings, airports, commercial complexes, hospitals, and educational institutions, they provide a fire-safe construction option without compromising design flexibility.

The honeycomb core structure aims to ensure durability while keeping the panels lightweight, making them suitable for various architectural applications.

Viva states that the panels have undergone rigorous testing to confirm their performance under extreme fire conditions.

The company highlights their compliance with international safety regulations, addressing the demand for fire-resistant materials in modern construction.

Nitin Jain, Director of Viva Composite Panel Pvt. Ltd., said the panels reflect the company’s commitment to safety, innovation, and sustainability.

Grenfell Tower demolition under consideration amid ongoing inquiries

by Breaking NewsBuilding ManagementSafety

Media reports suggest Grenfell Tower could be removed

Media reports indicate that the UK government may proceed with the deconstruction of Grenfell Tower, according to statements from bereaved families and survivors.

The Guardian and Reuters, among other news outlets, reported that Angela Rayner, the UK’s deputy prime minister and housing secretary, met with affected families on Wednesday evening and suggested the tower would have to be taken down.

Grenfell Next of Kin, a group representing relatives of nearly half of those who died in the fire, stated that Rayner announced this decision during the meeting.

Further details are expected from the government later this week.

The government had previously stated that no changes to the site would take place before the eighth anniversary of the fire, which killed 72 people in June 2017.

Bereaved families and survivors raise concerns

Some families and survivor groups have raised concerns about the reported decision.

Grenfell United, which represents some of those affected, said the voices of bereaved families had not been properly considered.

“We’ve said this to every secretary of state for housing since the very beginning: consult the bereaved and survivors meaningfully before reaching a decision on the tower,” Grenfell United said.

Grenfell Next of Kin acknowledged the structural challenges but expressed disappointment, stating: “Do we wish the whole tower could stand forever? Yes. Is that an option? Not from a structural point of view.”

Ongoing inquiry and legal proceedings

The Grenfell Tower Inquiry, which published its final report in 2024, found that the fire resulted from systemic failures by the government and construction industry.

The report concluded that flammable materials installed on the building’s exterior contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.

Inquiry chair Sir Martin Moore-Bick stated that those who lived in the tower were “badly failed” by authorities, with some failings attributed to incompetence and others to dishonesty and financial motives.

The UK’s Crown Prosecution Service and police have stated that their investigations will continue until the end of 2025, with final decisions on potential criminal charges expected by late 2026.

Plans for a permanent memorial

The Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission has been consulting on proposals for a permanent memorial at the site.

A 2023 report recommended a “sacred space” for remembrance and reflection.

A shortlist of five potential designs for the memorial was confirmed in January 2025.

The commission expects a final design to be selected in 2026, with a planning application submitted later that year.

The commission has stated that if the tower is dismantled, it should be done “with care and respect.”

Reports indicate Grenfell Tower may be dismantled after government discussions: Summary

Media reports suggest that the UK government may be planning to dismantle Grenfell Tower, following discussions with bereaved families and survivors.

According to Grenfell Next of Kin, Angela Rayner stated in a meeting that the tower would have to be taken down, though no formal confirmation has been issued.

Further details from the government are expected later this week.

Survivor groups, including Grenfell United, have criticised the reported decision, stating that the bereaved were not meaningfully consulted.

Grenfell Next of Kin acknowledged structural concerns but expressed disappointment that the tower could not remain standing.

The Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s final report in 2024 attributed the fire to systemic failings by the government and construction industry.

Legal investigations remain ongoing, with potential criminal charges expected by late 2026.

The Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission is developing plans for a permanent memorial, with a final design expected in 2026.

If the tower is removed, the commission has stated that the process should be carried out with care and respect.

Validity of EWS1 forms questioned after fire engineer sanction

by Building ManagementConstructionSafety

Fire Protection Association raises concerns over EWS1 forms

The Fire Protection Association (FPA) has reported concerns over the validity of some External Wall System (EWS1) forms following disciplinary action against fire engineer Adam Kiziak.

The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) suspended Kiziak for six months in August 2024 after finding breaches of its code of conduct, including failure to maintain adequate professional indemnity insurance and working outside professional competence.

In December 2024, Inside Housing reported that independent audits commissioned by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) had overturned some of Kiziak’s fire risk assessments.

On 21 January 2025, IFE confirmed that the sanction against Kiziak had been extended due to ongoing complaints, which remain under investigation.

The organisation stated that the sanction would stay in place until investigations concluded.

Mortgage lenders respond to concerns over EWS1 forms

Following Kiziak’s suspension, mortgage lender Nationwide temporarily halted lending on buildings that had been signed off by Kiziak and Tri Fire.

A spokesperson for Nationwide told Inside Housing: “We take building safety very seriously and Tri Fire’s current suspension means that we are temporarily unable to make lending decisions based on its reports without further information and validation.”

The spokesperson added that responsibility for ensuring valid reports rested with building owners.

Nationwide stated that it was working with stakeholders to address cases impacted by the suspension.

IFE acknowledged the impact of the issue on mortgage approvals and stated that it was engaging with UK Finance to assess the broader implications of its member sanctions.

UK Finance advised individuals with concerns to contact their mortgage lenders directly.

Housing associations and public bodies take action

Notting Hill Genesis issued guidance to leaseholders on 27 January 2025 regarding EWS1 forms rejected by lenders.

The housing association stated that its internal review of the peer review process used by Tri Fire found it to be insufficiently robust.

As a result, Notting Hill Genesis announced that it would cease using Tri Fire and instead commission new EWS1 forms through alternative fire engineering consultants.

It also warned leaseholders that fire engineer demand was high and waiting times could exceed the current 8 to 10 weeks.

Tri Fire suspended from government-approved panel

Homes England has suspended Tri Fire from its panel of firms approved to carry out fire risk appraisals of external walls (FRAEWs) under the Cladding Safety Scheme (CSS).

As reported by Construction News, a Freedom of Information request revealed that Tri Fire had completed more than 60 FRAEWs for CSS applicants before its suspension.

A spokesperson for Homes England stated that the organisation was aware of the allegations against Tri Fire and had suspended the firm from its assessor panel.

The spokesperson added that an audit was underway to review Tri Fire reports, with additional control measures in place for assessments conducted before the suspension.

Michael Wharfe, partner at Devonshires law firm, told Construction News that ensuring the accuracy of fire risk assessments was essential before CSS applications or remedial work proceeded.

A lawyer acting for Tri Fire told BBC News that the firm was working to resolve the issues and was considering alternative peer review options.

Validity of EWS1 forms questioned after fire engineer sanction: Summary

Concerns have been raised over the validity of some EWS1 forms following the suspension of fire engineer Adam Kiziak by the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE).

Kiziak was sanctioned in August 2024 for breaches of professional standards, with the sanction extended in January 2025 due to further complaints.

Mortgage lender Nationwide temporarily halted lending decisions on properties assessed by Kiziak and Tri Fire.

IFE stated that it was engaging with UK Finance to address the impact of the issue on mortgage approvals.

Notting Hill Genesis announced it would no longer use Tri Fire for EWS1 assessments following an internal review.

Homes England suspended Tri Fire from its approved panel for the Cladding Safety Scheme, pending an audit of previous fire risk assessments.

A lawyer representing Tri Fire said the firm was working to resolve the situation.

Albania’s building codes may lack provisions for effective fire safety measures

by Building ManagementConstructionFeatured NewsSafety

Building codes in Albania do not guarantee effective fire protection

Euronews Albania has reported that Albania’s current building codes do not guarantee adequate fire protection, despite legal obligations introduced in 2020.

The law requires designers to implement safety measures, but there are no provisions for installing external stairs or thermal protection.

As a result, fires that occur in buildings can quickly spiral out of control due to urban infrastructure limitations and delays in firefighting efforts.

This has raised concerns that the rescue of residents may depend on chance, as many public buildings do not meet basic evacuation criteria.

The report noted that many of these buildings have only a single internal corridor and elevator, leaving no alternative emergency exit.

The only exceptions to this rule are buildings constructed by international institutions.

Albania’s lack of a fireproof material mandate in construction stands in stark contrast to European Union countries, which require fire-resistant building materials, thermal insulation, fire-resistant electrical cables, and other critical safety features.

Lack of fire safety measures in Albanian buildings

Albania’s 2020 “Control and Discipline of Construction Works” law places the responsibility for fire safety on designers and developers.

However, with existing codes, the necessary measures to protect residents, such as external stairs, fire-resistant doors, and proper evacuation routes, are not required.

This gap in fire safety measures could prove dangerous in the event of a fire.

Inadequate safety standards are evident, as many Albanian buildings only feature a single internal corridor and no alternative exit routes.

Moreover, buildings do not include thermal protection or fire-resistant materials, unlike those in European Union countries, which mandate these protections.

Without these safeguards, Albanian buildings are particularly vulnerable in the event of a fire, which can spread quickly and without containment.

Comparison of Albanian building codes with European standards

Albanian building codes are significantly less stringent than European standards in terms of fire safety.

Unlike Albania, many European Union countries have established regulations that require the use of fire-resistant materials in construction to prevent the rapid spread of fire.

Additionally, fire-resistant doors and windows that can withstand fire for up to 90 minutes are mandatory in these countries.

Albanian buildings, however, are not required to comply with these safety standards, leaving them exposed to greater fire risks.

These differences highlight the need for reform in Albania’s fire safety regulations to match those of other European nations.

Implications of inadequate fire safety measures in Albania

The lack of sufficient fire safety measures in Albania has serious implications for both residents and property owners.

Buildings constructed under current codes are more susceptible to fire spread due to inadequate evacuation routes and the absence of fire-resistant materials.

As fire safety measures are limited, the responsibility for rescue operations falls solely on emergency forces.

The financial burden of fire damage is also a significant concern.

According to Shkruar nga Pamfleti, the cost of fire-related damage could become unaffordable for many families, as the number of property insurance holders in Albania remains low.

Albania’s building codes lack provisions for effective fire safety measures: Summary

Albania’s building codes are reported to be failing to provide effective fire protection.

While the 2020 law mandates certain safety measures, it does not require key safety features such as external stairs or thermal protection.

Fires in buildings may become uncontrollable due to the lack of proper evacuation routes and delayed firefighting responses.

Many buildings only feature a single internal corridor and elevator, with no external emergency exits, except for those built by international institutions.

Albania’s failure to mandate fire-resistant materials or the use of other critical fire safety measures, such as fire-resistant doors and cables, makes its buildings vulnerable in a fire.

The law places responsibility for fire safety on designers and developers, but current codes leave much to be desired in ensuring the safety of residents.