Regulator Publish Fire Safety Remediation Findings

The Regulator of Social Housing has published the findings of its latest survey of the fire safety of 11 metre plus buildings in the social housing sector. Fire safety has been under scrutiny as industry bodies have doubled down on the need for cultural change, and the Met Police come to bring of submitting evidence relevant to the Grenfell tragedy. 

The RSH’s study found that of the 17,081 relevant buildings reported, 1,977 were identified as having a life-critical fire safety (LCFS) defect relating to the external wall system (EWS).

Over 99.9% of all relevant reported buildings have had a fire risk assessment carried out, 1,503 relevant buildings (76%) are expected to be remediated within the next five years, and of the 2,801 buildings identified as having LCFS defects since June 2017, 995 (35.5%) have been remediated (or are completed awaiting a new building works assessment).

READ MORE: Housing Executive Awards 2025 winners: “Winning Housing Association of the Year Has Helped Us Massively”

Will Perry, Director of Strategy at RSH, said: “Providing safe, high-quality homes is a core duty for all social housing landlords, and building safety, particularly fire safety in multi-occupied and higher-risk buildings, must remain a top priority.

“Boards and councillors play a critical role in ensuring legal obligations are fully understood, risks are rigorously managed, and issues are addressed without delay. This requires robust systems, strong oversight, and accurate, up-to-date safety data.

“We recognise the seriousness with which landlords are tackling these responsibilities, and it is vital that progress continues at pace, especially in addressing fire risks and removing unsafe cladding.”

The Metropolitan Police recently announced they are close to submitting evidence as a result of their extensive investigation into the Grenfell tragedy, and are submitting evidence to CPS by the end of September, with charges sought for up to 57 people. Although evidence is soon to be handed over, the decision to press charges could take until June 2027, with trials unlikely to begin before 2029.

The investigations following the Grenfell tragedy were the largest seen by the Met, examining the role of 15,000 individuals and 700 organisations, of which 57 people and 20 organisations are suspects for criminal offences.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Kevin Southworth said: “The Grenfell Tower fire remains one of the most complex investigations ever undertaken by any UK law enforcement agency. Our investigation began in June 2017 and has continued relentlessly since.

“We have been working in close partnership with the CPS for many years already and are on schedule to submit all files this autumn. The CPS will then consider them in detail to make charging decisions and are confident they can do so before the 10th anniversary of the fire.