According to Labour Party research, only 4% of high-rise (above 30m) council-owned buildings have sprinklers fitted.

Croydon Central MP, Sarah Jones, is urging the government to set up a “fire safety fund” to help councils put plans in place.

She said, "In London, we need retrofitted sprinklers fitted in over 800 tower blocks. We really do need that injection from the government to support the work.

"Theresa May and the government said they would do 'whatever it takes to keep people safe'."

Before the Grenfell tragedy, only nine buildings 10 storeys or higher had sprinklers fitted, despite a coroner recommendation that councils across the country should consider retrofitting sprinklers in existing high-rise residential buildings after the 2009 Lakanal House Fire.

Twenty-three further buildings have had sprinklers installed since the Grenfell Tower fire, but the report suggests more fittings are necessary.

Housing minister Kit Malthouse said the government has taken steps to ensure the "safety of high rise buildings".

He added, "We are going to fully fund the removal and replacement of unsafe cladding, like the type used on Grenfell Tower, estimated at £400m.

"Sprinklers can be effective, but they are one of many fire safety measures that can be adopted.

"If local authorities have concerns about the costs of essential fire safety measures, they should contact us to discuss their position and any flexibilities we can offer."

Several councils across London, including Lambeth, Brent, Camden, Waltham Forest, Wandsworth and City of London, say they have plans to install sprinklers following Grenfell.

Original Source
BBC