Crown Immunity: Buildings

(asked on 1st September 2026) - View Source

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether (1) high security hospitals or high security units within hospitals, (2) Immigration Removal Centres, and (3) Young Offender institutions and detention centres, are regulated by the Crown Premises Fire Safety Inspectorate; and whether they are covered by Crown immunity regarding fire risk.


Answered by
Baroness Blake of Leeds Portrait
Baroness Blake of Leeds
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
This question was answered on 15th September 2026

High security hospitals (or high security units within hospitals) are not regulated by the Crown Premises’ Fire Safety Inspectorate (CPFSI). These are inspected by local Fire and Rescue Services.

Immigration Removal Centres are managed by private sector operators and are regulated by the Crown Premises’ Fire Safety Inspectorate (CPFSI). Crown immunity does not apply to the elements of IRCs that are managed by private operators. Where elements remain within the control of the Home Office, Crown immunity applies to these areas only. Short term holding facilities and processing centres operated by the Home Office are regulated by the Crown Premises’ Fire Safety Inspectorate (CPFSI) and Crown immunity does apply.

Young Offender Institutions and Detention Centres form part of His Majesties Prison and Probation Service and are regulated by the Crown Premises’ Fire Safety Inspectorate (CPFSI) and Crown immunity does apply. There are no private operators of Young Offender Institutions and Detention Centres. Secure training schools are privately operated and these are inspected by local Fire and Rescue Services.

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