Issue - meetings

To consider a proposed Housing Fire Safety Protocol between Cheshire East Council and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service to aid co-ordination of the actions of both bodies and promote fire safety.  

The Cabinet Member for Safer and Stronger Communities considered a proposed Housing Fire Safety Protocol between Cheshire East Council and

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service to aid co-ordination of the actions of both bodies and promote fire safety.

Cheshire East had a legal duty to take enforcement action where a Category 1 hazard assessed under the Housing Act 2004 was present in a residential property, including hazards related to fire. Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service also had a legal duty to ensure fire safety in common areas of multiple-occupied housing. The protocol clarified the lead responsibilities of each authority and joint working arrangements between the authorities to promote coordination of the way in which the respective duties were carried out.

There was no statutory duty to enter into a protocol with another statutory body to improve fire safety. Because responsibility for enforcing fire safety legislation overlapped between the authorities, the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health and the Chief Fire Officers’ Association had recommended that a protocol be established at a local level to clarify authorities’ lead roles.

RESOLVED

That the Cabinet Member for Safer and Stronger Communities approves that the Housing Fire Safety Protocol appended to the report be agreed between Cheshire East Council and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service to aid co-ordination of the actions of both bodies and promote fire safety.