FBU calls for statutory advisory body
The fire brigades’ FBU union has called for fire inspector numbers to be doubled in order to tackle the building safety crisis. Its demand follows an analysis of the fire safety bill which is currently making its way through parliament. This reveals the government expects to fund only 12 extra staff to inspect and enforce fire safety in more than two million homes.
There are currently just 951 fire safety officers in England qualified to carry out fire safety audits. The union is also calling on ministers to establish a permanent statutory advisory body for the fire and rescue service. It says this would allow the voices of frontline firefighters and inspectors to be heard and provide a “reality check” before final voting on the bill takes place.
“Three years after Grenfell, Britain’s fire safety regime remains a national disgrace and politicians are responsible,” said FBU general secretary Matt Wrack. “This legislation is long overdue but insufficient. The bill in its current form is a gross underestimate of the realities of the crisis. Without funding a significant increase in fire inspector numbers, this change in the law will not ramp up enforcement on rogue landlords – ministers need a serious reality check.”