ARTICLE

Aico facilitates second panel discussion focused on LACORS guidance reform

03 August 2021

AICO RECENTLY facilitated a panel discussion on the Local Authorities Co-ordinators of Regulatory Services (LACORS) guidance document which covers guidance on fire safety provisions for certain types of existing housing. This followed on from a similar panel discussion held in October last year.

The initial discussion called for the establishment of ownership of the document due to the Local Government Association’s relinquishment of authority, the updating of key areas and the addition of sections. Following this update and the reform to LACORS, the discussion reached consensus that all within the sector would adopt the document.

Now, Aico has facilitated another virtual panel discussion to gain an update for the sector. Aico’s relationships manager Tina Mistry chaired the webinar and was joined by Jake Mathias of RHE Global, Simon Moore (C.S. Todd & Associates Ltd) and Gavin Dick of the National Residential Landlords Association.

During the session, it was revealed that the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is reviewing the LACORS document in line with the Housing Health and Safety Rating System. Jake Mathias and Simon Moore are part of this undertaking, which has been commissioned by the MHCLG.

Mathias and Moore explained how this review aims to address some of the points raised in the initial LACORS discussion, reforming the Housing Health and Safety Rating System with the possibility of incorporating minimum standards to consolidate requirements for the housing sector.

Both parties acknowledged the disconnect in the complex landscape of standards, regulations and legislation, particularly so in relation to fire safety, and are examining for commonalities in order to address this issue.

Collaborative approach

The review will use three main methods of consultation with landlord groups, tenant bodies and focus groups of fire experts to gain the scope necessary for the document to remain applicable to all tenures. The key outcomes will be a simpler means of banding assessments, updating guidance for landlords, refreshing enforcement guidance for local authorities and producing guidance for tenants.

Tina Mistry commented “LACORS is a document widely used by many in the private and social rented sector. That has been made clear in these webinars. LACORS very much needs to be updated and requires a collaborative approach to develop a document that’s fit for purpose. The update in line with the Housing Health and Safety Rating System is a positive step towards achieving more cohesion and clarity within the sector.”

The review procedure began back in October last year and has a timescale for completion of two years.

 
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