Letter to registered providers: Building Safety Programme – 27 July 2017
Published 20 June 2017
Applies to England
© Crown copyright 2017
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To private and local authority registered providers 27 July 2017 By email
Dear Provider
Response to Grenfell Tower Fire – Building Safety Programme
Following my letter of 20 June 2017 I am writing to update you about contacting the regulator following on from communications issued by DCLG.
You will have seen a number of communications from DCLG on building safety work following the fire at Grenfell Tower including the screening test programme and large scale testing which the Independent Expert Advisory Panel have recommended. It is important that, as appropriate, providers follow the guidance that has been issued, all of which can be found on the gov.uk website.
We are aware that providers are looking at potential remediation works that they may need to undertake to reduce the risks from fire in their stock. While we understand that providers will not yet know the full scale of the remediation required, we do know from your responses to the DCLG information gathering exercise that it could affect some registered providers more than others.
While the need to undertake remediation is likely to mean providers having to make unplanned expenditure, we expect that for the majority of providers this should be able to be met within existing business plans. However, if the costs of undertaking essential remediation present a clear risk to long term financial viability, it is important that you bring these issues to the attention of the regulator.
Meeting health and safety obligations is a primary responsibility for registered providers and tenants’ safety must not be compromised. If you have concerns about the financial implications of essential health and safety remediation, please contact your lead regulator in the first instance or contact the Regulatory Referrals and Enquiries team.
Yours faithfully
Fiona MacGregor
Director, Regulation