Issue - meetings

Matter for Decision

The purpose of the report was to update members of a review of the existing Storage in Communal Areas - Zero Tolerance Policy and sought approval to implement proposed changes to the policy. This includes a proposal to change the title to ‘Fire Safety in Communal Areas Policy’.

Decision of Executive Councillor for Housing

      i.         Approved the changes to the Storage in Communal Areas - Zero Tolerance Policy, and the new title of the revised policy: Fire Safety in Communal Areas Policy (Appendix A of the Officer’s report)

    ii.         Support officers of the Council in enforcing the revised policy.

Reason for the Decision

As set out in the Officer’s report.

Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Not applicable.

Scrutiny Considerations

The Committee received a report from the Housing Services Manager.

The Committee noted that an Equality Impact Assessment was published and circulated to the Committee in advance of the meeting.

The Housing Services Manager said the following in response to Members’ questions:

      i.         Noted concerns raised about the impact of the new policy on resources (timescales / staff etc). Discussions had taken place with the Streets and Open Spaces Team and no concerns regarding the impact on resources had been raised.   

    ii.         Noted that some council properties were managed by a Management Company and confirmed that if the proposed Fire Safety in Communal Areas Policy was approved, officers would work with Management Companies to align their policies. 

   iii.         Officers would investigate concerns raised about storing mobility scooters in passageways and the impact on fire exit routes.

  iv.         The Council (as a landlord) had a legal duty to ensure that exit routes were clear and safe in the event of an emergency. Officers undertook inspections and produced a quarterly report. Any patterns / issues would be identified following these reports. Noted that immediate risks included flammable liquids and motorcycles and that secondary risks included bicycles and plants which could cause obstructions in smoke filled areas where visibility could be reduced. The Council would undertake a proportionate approach in applying and enforcing the Policy.   

The Committee resolved by 11 votes to 0 with 2 abstentions to endorse the recommendations.

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendations.

Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Executive Councillor (and any Dispensations Granted)

No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive Councillor.