ON WEDNESDAY, September 27, the seventh evidence session of the Welsh Government’s inquiry into fire safety in high-rise blocks in Wales - including the three owned by Newport City Homes (NCH) was held at the Senedd.
At the inquiry, chairman John Griffiths AM asked Carl Sargeant AM (Communities and Children) who would be responsible for covering the costs of retro-fitting sprinklers in such blocks.
Mr Griffiths said Newport City Homes are going to incur substantial cost in dealing with the cladding system and retro-fitting of sprinklers.
Mr Sargeant ‘s reply was that that is a matter for the RSL. Mr Sargeant then said Newport City Homes took it upon themselves to install sprinklers and to remove the cladding of the blocks.
He stated, “At no point have they said that the financial burden should be either one for residents or for ourselves as government.”
On August 3, NCH delivered five pages of information regarding fire safety. They stated, “We can confirm we are going to introduce 24-hour fire wardens, install sprinklers and remove and replace cladding.”
Residents have not been told if the cost is going to be included in future service charges. NCH is to hold a sprinkler information day at Greenwood.
Hopefully, it will be made clear who is going to bear the burden of paying for these works.
Lindsey Hayes
Greenwood
Beaufort Road
Newport
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here