Scottish Government Seek to Review Multi-Storeys in Light of Grenfell Tower Fire

In light of the tragic Grenfell Tower fire in West London last week, the Scottish Government has promptly responded with a letter to all housing associations and social registered landlords.

The letter was issued by the Minister responsible for Local Government, Housing and Building Standards, in a bid to take action as soon as possible. Although as yet there has been no definitive confirmation has been made about the cause of fire, building products used or what caused the fire to spread, the Scottish Government is looking for the UK to carry out a full investigation, with findings to emerge in due course.

In the meantime, in Scotland, the Cabinet Secretary for Communities, Social Security and Equalities will be reviewing the Scottish regulations to ensure they are robust.

Areas of consideration

The main area the Scottish Government is currently looking into are those with buildings which have floors over 18 metres above ground (high-rise). In particular, however they are seeking information from all housing associations and registered social landlords to ascertain the original construction of these buildings and establish any remedial works carried out, along with details of the materials and construction used.

James Gibb Factored Properties

Although Factors / private residential dwellings are not included in this review, at James Gibb residential factors, we are carrying out a similar review of all relevant properties.

At present, we have very few buildings within our portfolio that match the high-rise criteria of this review. Although we are confident that we comply with all relevant safety requirements in our day to day duties, we are currently performing a full safety review which includes special attention to the construction of any clad buildings within our portfolio.  Although unlikely, if our investigations show that any building has been clad in inappropriate materials, we will convene urgent meetings with homeowners.

Safety and transparency are key for us when it comes to carrying out all factoring duties. We have thorough processes in place to ensure all remedial works carried out are not only necessary and agreed, but that the contractors sourced to complete works meet health, safety and quality standards.