Issue details

Following two major fire incidents in Council high-rise blocks (one caused by lithium batteries exploding and the other by arson) meetings have taken place with Avon and Somerset Chief Fire Officer and Service with the Mayor, Chief Executive, Service Director and Cabinet Member. Their advice was to review a number of our fire safety policies . In addition, the Council has received three PAS9980 inspection reports that have recommended precautionary measures of implementing waking watch on a number of other blocks where there may be a risk, while remedial works are carried out.
This decision authorises the procurement and award of a contract with company/companies to carry out this Waking Watch service, which will have significant financial demands for the HRA in the immediate and medium terms. The Council spends on average £2.5m per annum on safety measures and is developing a programme of works worth £48m in place to carry out to remove EPS cladding. This measure in the light of two major fires and separately commissioned inspection reports necessitate the introduction of Waking Watch as interim measures to ensure the safety of residents remains paramount and secure. The Council must commission this service as a precautionary measure to protect the health and welfare of residents of high-rise blocks where EPS is present.