Company and director found guilty of breaching Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order

Photograph: Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service

The verdict was returned at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on 6 June following a two-week trial, having been referred there from Ipswich Crown Court. Sentencing is scheduled to take place at Ipswich Crown Court in July.

Home from Home Property Management Ltd manages the premises at 2-100 Wolsey Street in Ipswich. Those presiding Colchester Magistrates’ Court heard that, in July 2017, it was identified the premises featured ACM cladding similar to that used at Grenfell Tower in London’s North Kensington. A fire risk assessment had been undertaken for the building, but it didn’t take into account the potentially high fire risk posed to residents by the cladding.

It was established that Home from Home Property Management Ltd had commissioned a fire risk assessor, but had given inaccurate information in connection with the level of risk at the premises. When that risk became apparent, the appointed risk assessor invalidated the fire risk assessment that had been produced.

Areas of non-compliance

In 2019, officers from the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service attended the premises and identified that the fire risk assessment had not been reviewed and updated as required by legislation. Other areas of non-compliance with the legislation were identified relating to fire safety measures provided to protect the means of escape and allow residents to exit safely in the event of fire.

In August 2021, Home from Home Property Management Ltd appointed the services of a new fire risk assessor who corroborated the findings of the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service officers in respect of the ongoing risk to residents.

The new fire risk assessor has worked to ensure that there is no longer a significant risk posed to life, while Home from Home Property Management Ltd is now working towards the removal of the ACM cladding with the help of Government funding support.

A spokesperson for the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service said: “The actions by Home from Home Property Management Ltd regarding the existence of the cladding prolonged the potential risk of harm to residents had a fire occurred. This case sends a clear message to all managing agents that fire safety is important. As an enforcing authority, the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service will not hesitate in prosecuting where lives are placed at risk.”