Building and fire safety

The sixth meeting of a ministerial working group, set up to review building and fire safety, has heard how residents and building owners in Glasgow are being kept informed on the progress being made to identify and test cladding.

During the meeting Communities Secretary Angela Constance, Housing Minister Kevin Stewart and Community Safety Minister Annabelle Ewing, received updates from Scottish Government officials and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

Mr Stewart updated the ministerial working group that he has written to remind local authorities of the breadth of their building safety enforcement powers and Scottish Government expectation that  they would use those powers to ensure public safety.

Ministers also welcomed Glasgow City Council officials to the meeting. They provided an update on the work the Council is carrying out to ensure residents of buildings where aluminium composite material (ACM) cladding has been identified are kept fully informed about ongoing work and where they can access further advice.

Ms Constance said:

“Everyone involved in this group shares a commitment to do all we can to reassure home owners and residents of buildings where ACM cladding is identified are kept fully informed about any tests being carried out and know where they can get further advice and guidance.

“We are working closely with local authorities, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and others to ensure the highest standards in our building and fire safety regulations and I thank everyone involved for their continued commitment to this.

“Today’s meeting also reflected that we are making good progress establishing a review of fire safety in building standards following the recent appointment of Professor John Cole and Dr Paul Stollard. The range of work being looked at will further strengthen standards.”

The Scottish Fire & Rescue Service shared plans for the forthcoming targeted national fire safety campaign for high rise buildings and confirmed that additional fire safety guidance is being developed for any buildings where there are concerns or issues.