Action plan to stop Grenfell-style tragedy in the West Midlands
An action plan to prevent a Grenfell tragedy taking place in the West Midlands has been launched.
The West Midlands Remediation Acceleration Plan has been drawn up to get flammable cladding removed from all residential buildings of 11 metres or above as quickly as possible and reduce the risk of fire.
The West Midlands Combined Authority is now asking residents and stakeholders on how the plan should be delivered.
The Grenfell Inquiry Report published last year asked Mayoral Combined Authorities to bring together key partners, including local fire services and councils, to coordinate action to tackle the issue.
Richard Parker, mayor of the West Midlands, said: “I’ve listened to heartbreaking stories from residents about the impact living in an unsafe building is having on their lives.
“The Grenfell Tower tragedy must always remain in our minds as a stark example of what can happen when safety is not put first.
“That’s why we’ve been working with partner agencies to get the remediation process sped up, so we can ensure nothing like this ever happens again. Everyone deserves a safe home.”
The plan was launched by Councillor Sharon Thompson, Deputy Mayor of the West Midlands, at the Building Safer Future Conference held at the West Midlands Fire Service HQ.
It sets out three key priorities for the region:
Fix buildings faster by increasing enforcement capacity to ensure all residential buildings above 11 metres in height have combustible and unsafe external cladding fully remediated or reduced to a ‘tolerable’ risk level
Increase monitoring to identify buildings with unsafe cladding
Support residents throughout the remediation process
Area commander Gemma McSweeney, head of protection for West Midlands Fire Service, said: “Residents’ safety is at the heart of everything we do.
“We know the impact unsafe buildings can have on residents and communities, which is why the Remediation Acceleration Plan is a vital step in making sure dangerous cladding is removed at pace.
“We remain focused on ensuring compliance and, by working closely with our partners, we can give residents greater reassurance, so they feel safe in their homes.”
