The Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) shares concerns with the Government regarding the fire safety of domestic upholstered furniture. The Minister's response outlines proposed steps and exemptions.

11 January 2024

On 1st December 2023, Rt Hon Philip Dunne MP, Chairman of the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC), expressed concerns to the Minister for Enterprise, Markets and Small Business at the Department for Business and Trade. The focus was on the consultation surrounding the fire safety of domestic upholstered furniture.

The EAC has since made public the Minister's response, confirming the Government's stance on the matter. Notably, the Minister has been unable to provide a definitive timetable for the development and implementation of new flammability standards for furniture. 

In the response, the Minister sheds light on the exclusion of certain children and baby items from the scope of the proposed standards. Additionally, the Government outlines its strategy to empower consumers by providing information about the presence, if any, of chemical flame retardants in upholstered furniture.

The EAC has committed to monitoring the outcome of the ongoing Government consultation closely and consider the next steps.

For more details on parliamentary processes and the Environmental Audit Committee's role, you can visit the official Parliament website's sections on Select committees and Watch committees.

View the SOURCE here.

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