Fire Safety Partnership Launched for Social Housing in Wales

The UK’s first co-ordinated fire safety partnership for housing has been launched in Wales today.

The Primary Authority Scheme has been set up by Community Housing Cymru in partnership with South Wales Fire and Rescue Service as a response to an increasing focus on building safety.

The launch of the scheme follows almost a year of collaboration between the social housing sector in Wales and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, and will give housing associations in Wales access to free advice on fire safety enforcement, legal issues, compliance and existing protocols.

Stuart Ropke, Chief Executive at Community Housing Cymru said:

“Housing Associations in Wales are committed to ensuring the safety of tenants, and have a strong track record of providing services which include explaining fire safety measures to residents and retrofitting sprinkler systems.

We have been exploring the possibility of establishing a Co-ordinated Primary Fire Authority Scheme for Welsh housing associations for some years. With the vital importance of fire safety, it has become increasingly necessary for there to be a service of this kind, and we are delighted to have members already signing up.”

Huw Jakeway, Chief Fire Officer at South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said:

“South Wales Fire and Rescue Service are delighted to announce the launch of our Primary Authority Scheme in partnership with Community Housing Cymru.

“This is the very first coordinated scheme of its kind in Wales and will ensure a high standard of consistent regulation of the Fire Safety Order.

“We look forward to working with Community Housing Cymru in supporting registered social landlords to implement risk reduction measures, assisting them in prioritising works needed for the benefit of their own business and for the wider community.”