Following on from the tragic events of last week the DCLG issued guidance to all local authorities and Housing Associations in respect of fire safety checks predominantly aimed at cladding of blocks of flats. In particular concerns have been raised over what is known as Aluminium Composite Materials (ACM).
The Department is arranging procedures so local authorities who identify blocks with such cladding can have the same tested. Other Freeholders of blocks of flats are recommended also to review their own blocks and consider whether or not their block may be so affected. A dedicated email address has been set up for Freeholders and their representatives to use being: housingchecks@communities.gsi.gov.uk
The Government guidance can be found here
As well as considering the cladding on any block we would urge all block managers and freeholders to review any existing fire safety risk assessments and consider whether in light of the Grenfell Tower tragedy a review should be undertaken.
Finally on behalf of all at PainSmith Solicitors our thoughts at this time are with everyone affected by this awful tragedy.
