Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of sprinklers in improving fire safety in tower blocks; and what steps he is taking to promote the retro-fitting of sprinkler systems in tower blocks.

It is for the responsible person to ensure that any existing residential building has the appropriate fire safety in place, which may include retro-fitting sprinklers. In 2013, the Department wrote to all local authorities and housing associations, asking them to consider a Coroner’s Report recommendation that they should consider retro-fitting sprinklers in existing residential buildings over 30 metres.

However, the decision on whether to install sprinklers is a decision for the responsible person in each building, and this decision should be based on the specific circumstances and an assessment of risk for each building.

The Government asked Dame Judith Hackitt to lead an independent review of the Building Regulations and fire safety, and will determine what further action is needed in light of her recommendations. It is expected that the review will present an interim report before the end of the year, and a final report no later than spring 2018.