Council to appoint contractor to undertake £20m fire safety works across its housing stock

Why it matters: The Council has allocated £20 million over four years to ensure all its housing meets new fire safety standards introduced following the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

The big picture: The Fire Safety Act 2021 and Fire Safety Regulations 2022, which came into force in October 2023, require public sector providers to implement mandatory fire safety improvements across their housing stock.

Ipswich Borough Council has been working with Ridge and Partners LLP and Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service to assess all its multi-occupied residential blocks and identify necessary upgrades.

The details: The first phase covers five buildings: Holywells Court, Reydon House, Dundee House, Morecambe Court and Walton House. Works will vary by site but include:

• Fire alarm upgrades and replacements
• Fire compartmentation works, including upgrading or replacing fire doors
• Sprinkler installation
• Smoke control upgrades
• Loft compartmentation
• Ventilation systems
• Wayfinding signage
• Electrical compliance upgrades

What's next: The Executive will consider the contractor appointments on Tuesday, 10 June. If approved, the Council will contact all affected residents with details about when work will begin.

A second phase will cover general needs flat blocks, which requires a separate consultation process with leaseholders. Additional sheltered housing schemes and homeless family units will follow in subsequent phases.

By the numbers: The £20m capital funding breaks down as:

• 2025-26: £3.75m
• 2026-27: £7.37m
• 2027-28: £6.32m
• 2028-29: £2.63m

What they're saying: Councillor Alasdair Ross, Portfolio Holder for Housing, said: "The safety of our residents is the council's highest priority. In line with the latest fire safety rules, a programme of essential fire safety improvements has been identified by expert consultants and Executive is now being asked to agree the award of contracts to deliver these works."

The bottom line: This represents the most significant fire safety investment in the Council's housing stock, ensuring all residents have enhanced protection in their homes whilst meeting legal obligations introduced after Grenfell.