Safety
Council appeared to be in ‘crisis management mode’
‘Multiple and repeated’ failures by Hammersmith & Fulham LBC left residents feeling ‘anything but secure in their homes,’ an investigation has found.
What can councils expect from stronger social housing regulation?
As councils get ready for the biggest shake-up in social housing regulation in 10 years, regulator Angela Holden gives an early insight into what to expect, ahead of the details due to published early next year.
Putting RAAC front of mind
With a shake up in the Cabinet, reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) cannot slip down the agenda, and the problem isn’t contained to schools and hospitals, says Mark Robinson.
It is time for local government to call out unworkable pseudo-market systems
Writing on the RAAC debacle, Mo Baines says not so long ago the public estate was managed by local public servants with local knowledge, but there is now 'a dizzying number of providers'.
What's lurking in the shadows?
Clare Thomas considers if better lighting is the key to making women feel safe on our streets again and offers advice to councils who are planning a lighting redesign.
Standing up for the Kadens
The tragic story of Kaden Reddick and the court case that followed his death is a sad one. But as Reading Council's Katie Heath explains, it provides a strong example of how local authorities have a moral duty to ensure and uphold health and safety.
Storm Eunice forces councils to close services
Councils across the UK have been forced to suspend public services, close schools and provide emergency help for rough sleepers due to Storm Eunice.
Councils to have ‘bigger role’ in building safety
The Government has said it wants to give councils a ‘bigger role’ in making sure high-rise buildings are safe.
Welwyn Hatfield in housing safety breach
A watchdog has found thousands of homes went uninspected for fire safety by Welwyn Hatfield BC.
Unearthing the success of heat pumps for high rise blocks
The safety and efficiency of tower blocks has come under intense scrutiny in recent years. Tim Woods explains what ENGIE UK is doing to support its clients to deliver safer homes
Bracing for the ASB challenge
Rebecca Bryant says the rise in anti-social behaviour since the start of COVID-19 restrictions must be addressed – but the tools to tackle it head-on ‘are available at our fingertips’.
Committee condemns ‘pie-in-the-sky’ cladding promises
Thousands of people are at risk because of ‘serious shortcomings’ in the Government’s long-term response to the Grenfell Tower fire, MPs have said.
New regs will not just hit tower blocks, say building chiefs
The biggest changes in building safety regulations in 25 years will not only affect local authorities with tower blocks but ‘impose wider responsibilities’ on all councils say building safety chiefs.
New £50m fund to help councils open high streets safely
Councils will have access to a £50m fund to help prepare for the safe reopening of high streets and other retail spaces.
Government announces ‘biggest changes to building safety in a generation’
The Government has announced steps to further reform building safety, including mandatory sprinkler systems and consistent wayfinding signage in all new high-rise blocks over 11 metres tall.
Keeping tenants and leaseholders safe – the immediate challenge
The challenge of the new building safety regime will be best met by involving all council departments and by close engagement with tenants and stakeholders, say Ian Doolittle and Rebecca Rees.
Queen's speech: Whitehall to ‘implement’ new building safety standards
The Government plans to ‘implement new building safety standards’ in order to prevent a repeat of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, according to the Queen’s speech.
Whitehall launches consultation on taxi licensing
Local authorities could soon be required to ensure that every prospective taxi driver undergoes enhanced criminal record and background checks.
Council prosecuted over Legionella case
Tendring DC has confirmed it is being prosecuted for failing to manage the risk of Legionella at its leisure centre sites.
Protect our social workers from violence
Social workers should be given the same protection from violence as emergency workers, according to sector bodies.