The Deputy Prime Minister and Building Safety Minister have set out clear
expectations for regulators and partners to increase the pace of
remediating unsafe buildings at a roundtable convened
yesterday (28 August) following on from the major fire in
Dagenham.
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker, Deputy Mayor of Greater
Manchester Paul Dennett and Deputy Mayor of London attended the meeting, along with
key representatives from the London Fire Brigade, the National
Fire Chiefs Council, the Local Government Association, the
Building Safety Regulator, and other key partners.
The Deputy Prime Minister set out her priorities – speeding up
the remediation of buildings, and ensuring that people are safe
in buildings undergoing remediation. She also praised the bravery
of firefighters who tackled the fire at Spectrum Building in
Dagenham, which she visited yesterday, and the support offered to
residents by Barking and Dagenham Council.
Deputy Prime Minister said:
Speeding up the remediation of buildings is absolutely critical.
Seven years on from Grenfell, action has been far too slow and
the fire in Dagenham is a horrific reminder of the risk unsafe
cladding still poses to far too many people.
This government will expect more from regulators and partners to
make sure action is being taken now to make homes safe, speed up
remediation and ensure that buildings in the process of being
remediated are managed safely for residents.
Building Safety Minister said:
I would like to thank the emergency services, council and wider
community for all they have done following the fire in Dagenham.
It is absolutely essential that central and local government,
regulators, and partners come together, as we have today, to
drive fast and effective change to get buildings fixed, made safe
and make sure residents are protected.