Nottingham City Council leader Councillor David Mellen says that no money has been received despite ‘promises at the time.’
Cllr Mellen said:
‘Yesterday the Government passed The Fire Safety Act which is part of its response to the tragic Grenfell fire in 2017.
‘However, survivors have criticised the legislation for passing on the costs for improvement works in high rise blocks onto leaseholders, rather than the Government or big developers covering the costs.
‘In Nottingham we are making sure we do the right thing. In the aftermath of the Grenfell fire, the council immediately launched an audit of cladding on all tall buildings, started the installation of sprinkler systems in all City Council owned high rise buildings and established the Joint Audit and Inspection Team (JAIT) along with the Nottinghamshire Fire Authority to inspect all appropriate residential blocks.
‘The cost of the sprinkler installation work to the council has been £8.3 million but, despite promises at the time from the Government to cover those costs, we are yet to receive a single penny for it.
‘Being safe in your own home is essential and people living in high rise blocks should not be financially penalised for that. I hope the Government will look again at this aspect of the Fire Safety Act and ensure that any costs for improvement work that is needed is covered by the Government or big developers.’
