The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) has released information claiming that a Council put tenants at risk by failing to complete urgent or high-priority remedial actions arising from fire risk assessments (FRA).

Two of Runnymede Borough Council's developments were noted - a 17-storey tower block and a sheltered housing scheme - which contributed to the 'serious detriment' to the tenants

“The situation in regard to fire and electrical safety forms part of an overall weak historical picture of compliance, particularly in the Council's approach to ensuring safety in their stock prior to 2017/18, and in maintaining assurance that all stock complies with the Decent Homes Standard," RSA said.

Electrical breaches included ‘no evidence’ of when testing had last been carried out for 162 properties.

Records showed that electrics in 794 properties were not tested in the last 10 years. Thus, the RSH found that the council did not have an ‘effective system in place to allow it to meet its statutory health and safety responsibilities in fire and electrical safety’.

The Council apologised sincerely to their tenants who were 'affected for failing in our duty to adhere to all aspects of the Home Standard.'

RSH are in the process of deciding if further action is required. 

Original Source
Social Housing