AN INQUIRY into fire safety in privately-owned tower blocks in Wales led by a Newport AM has begun.

The inquiry by the Welsh Assembly's Equality, Local Government and Communities Committee, which is chaired by Newport East's John Griffiths, comes 15 months after flames ripped through Grenfell Tower in London, killing 74 people.

The committee heard evidence from representatives of Wales' fire services, private sector property management companies and local government on the challenges faced in ensuring privately-owned flats meet fire safety requirements.

The effectiveness of fire doors was a key theme. David Hancock of Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service told the committee some of the doors at Grenfell Tower had been found to be "not up to standard" - and similar doors had been installed in buildings across the country.

"There were thousands of these doors installed," he said.

"The challenge we now face is finding these doors and ensuring they are replaced."

The committee also heard residents who own their own flats often replace fire doors with new doors which do not meet fire regulations - unwittingly putting themselves in danger.

Witnesses also said, while property owners are required by law to carry out "regular" fire safety tests, it is not defined how regular these must be - meaning some flats and other buildings may go a number of years without being inspected.

Another key theme was the complexity of determining who is responsible for mitigating problems when they are identified, with most privately-owned tower blocks divided into flats each owned or managed by different people.

Chief executive officer of the Association of Residential Managing Agents Nigel Glen suggested a way forward may be for the Welsh or UK Government to set up a scheme offering loans to people living in private flats to be used to bring their flats up to standard.

"That's the only way I can see," he said. "Otherwise it would mean years and years of legislation.

"We're not talking about huge amounts of money."

The committee also received written representations from a number of relevant organisations, including the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, which said it "remains concerned that there is anecdotal evidence to suggest that, over 14 months after Grenfell, there may still be high-rise buildings which have not yet been assessed."

"Generally, however, local authorities and fire and rescue services have been thorough in identifying buildings with higher risk profiles," it said.

The organisation added establishing liability for fire safety relating to private sector homes had proven "a more difficult challenge" and could cost up to £35,000 per apartment.

Following the Grenfell fire three tower blocks run by Newport City Homes - Hillview in the Gaer, Milton Court in Ringland and Greenwood in St Julians - were found to have unsafe cladding. Work to remove the cladding is currently under way.