Statement on Grenfell Tower Fire

We have been shocked and saddened by the news about Grenfell Tower this week and our thoughts are with all those affected.

Housing associations have a long standing commitment to maintaining and building homes to the highest standards. Our members invest heavily in improving existing homes to meet the Welsh Housing Quality Standard and comply with Welsh building and fire and safety regulations when building new homes or carrying out major refurbishment works.

While we wait on further details of the UK Government’s public inquiry, our members are working with local fire authorities to review current fire safety measures and to provide assurances to tenants.

As the membership body for Welsh housing associations, we are working with our members to gather information on the fire safety measures in tower blocks across Wales.

Half of our members’ tower blocks built in the 1960’s have been fitted with sprinklers, and the remainder have alternative robust safety measures in place. Other tower blocks have been retrofitted with other high quality fire safety precautions, such as Rockwool fire retardant insulation.

Our members are never complacent when it comes to safety. Tenants’ safety is paramount and continues to be our members’ highest priority. Housing associations are committed to building and maintaining stock to the highest possible safety standards, and we will continue to monitor and engage with all safety recommendations.