Local MP Maria Miller has joined forces with Southampton MP Royston Smith campaigning to support people living in high rise private residential buildings that may not meet fire safety standards through no fault of their own.
Maria said, “The Grenfell tragedy in 2017 has rightly led to a much greater focus on fire safety in residential buildings, particularly those that are high rise. At the time of the Grenfell fire I met Basingstoke residents who live in high rise accommodation to discuss their concerns and this directly led to my Fire Safety Information Bill, presented to Parliament in March 2018. The Bill would ensure residents in high rise buildings would be provided with information about fire safety measures in their buildings, to have access to an annual fire risk assessment and to have an annual meeting with the ‘responsible person’ to address any fire safety concerns. I am pleased the Government agreed to address these points in their own legislation.
“I am working with fellow Hampshire MP Royston Smith, joining forces to keep the spotlight on the plight of those in high rise residential buildings who are still living with the aftermath of the Grenfell tragedy.
“I am pleased to be supporting Royston’s amendments to the Government’s Fire Safety Bill to give more protection to leaseholders from building owners passing on the costs of remedial works to leaseholders and tenants.
“I will be urging the Government to adopt these changes to its’ Bill in the debate on fire safety in Parliament on Monday.”