Decision details

Purpose of Report

To seek approval of the Draft Building Safety – Resident Engagement Strategy 2021 and Action Plan, as detailed at Appendix A to the report.

Decision

That the Building Safety Resident Engagement Strategy 2021 and Action Plan be approved.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

None were considered. 

Reasons for the Decision

Following the Grenfell tragedy in 2017, the Government had launched a review to improve building safety in Higher Risk Residential Buildings.  Following the review, the Building Safety Act 2022 had been developed.

The Act contained a requirement to have a specific building safety resident engagement strategy, which set out how local authorities would involve residents in building safety and communicate key messages. The strategy covered high risk buildings, such as multi-storey blocks over 18 metres and potentially second legislation was expected to cover sheltered housing.  In response to this requirement, the Council had developed a strategy for Lincoln in consultation with elected councillors, employees and the Lincoln Tenants’ Panel.  The draft strategy and action plan was detailed at Appendix 1 to the report.  It was confirmed that the strategy applied to private leaseholders, specifically the requirement for gas and electric certificates.

The strategy had considered both the legal responsibility, whilst also exploring for innovative and engaging ways to tackle the issues around communication with residents. The strategy’s wider implications around ensuring fire safety management and emergency plans had been enacted, which would result in a clear approach to meeting the legislative requirements.

The draft strategy had received the support of the Policy Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on 23 November 2021 and the Housing Scrutiny Sub-Committee on 24 January 2022.