The Housing Fire and Building Safety Panel of Camden Council is scheduled to meet on Monday 22 June 2026 to discuss a range of important fire and building safety matters. Key topics on the agenda include an update on the internal housing stock condition survey, the commercial properties fire compartmentation programme, and fire safety training for residents. The panel will also review performance on compliance across various safety areas and consider the forward plan for future discussions.

Panel Terms of Reference Review

The panel will review its terms of reference, a process that was deferred to allow consideration of any changes in government policy following the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report. The report outlines proposed changes to the terms of reference, including updates to reflect the publication of the Residential Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan Regulations. The membership of the panel is also proposed to be updated to reflect recent local government elections.

Update on Internal Housing Stock Condition Survey

A report will be presented detailing the council's internal stock condition survey of tenanted homes. This survey is crucial for informing investment decisions and managing risks within homes, aligning with the Regulator for Social Housing's (RSH) Safety and Quality consumer standard. The council has expanded its survey to cover 100% of tenanted home interiors, with a target of information being no more than five years old. The programme, undertaken by external surveyors MLCS3, is nearing completion, with updated information now available for almost 70% of tenanted homes. The survey assesses kitchens, bathrooms, energy performance, and the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) risks, including damp and mould.

Commercial Properties Fire Compartmentation Programme

The panel will receive an update on Camden Council's approach to addressing fire compartmentation risks within its commercial property portfolio. This is particularly relevant for the 990 properties that have residential accommodation above or adjacent, as mandated by the Building Safety Act. Intrusive fire compartmentation surveys, initiated in 2023, have been conducted on 440 out of 468 targeted properties. These surveys have identified that 147 properties require remedial works, such as upgrading ceilings, walls, fire stopping, and replacing fire doors. The report details pilot work undertaken at two properties and the wider programmed work to mitigate risks across the portfolio, outlining an indicative 10-year works programme.

Fire Safety Training for Residents

An update will be provided on the ongoing work to inform and advise residents of council homes about fire and building safety. This includes specific training being developed and delivered for residents and their representatives. The council's Your Home, Your Learning programme is being extended to cover Safety in the Home, and formal Fire Warden Training is proposed to be offered to representatives managing Tenant and Resident Association (TRA) halls from September 2026. An online fire safety quiz has also been developed and piloted with residents, with plans for a wider rollout.

Performance on Compliance Q4 2025/26

This report will provide an update on compliance across fire, legionella, asbestos, gas, electrics, and lifts (FLAGEL) for the housing portfolio for the fourth quarter of the 2025/26 financial year. It will also cover Q4 performance on safety Tenant Satisfaction Measures (TSMs), progress on completing fire safety actions, updates on Building Safety Case submissions, and performance against Awaab's Law. The report highlights that while performance in most areas is strong, challenges remain with lift inspections and electrical checks due to access issues. The introduction of a new IT system, True Compliance, is expected to improve the management of fire risk assessment actions. The report also details significant progress in securing Building Assessment Certificates for higher-risk buildings (HRBs) under the Building Safety Act, with Camden performing well ahead of national averages. Updates on the implementation of Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) and performance related to Awaab's Law, particularly concerning damp and mould hazards, will also be presented.

Forward Plan

The panel will consider a report suggesting a possible work programme for future meetings. This includes standing items such as compliance performance reports and specific topics like the Chalcots Stage 2 Independent Review findings, an update on Residential Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (RPEEPs), and the implementation of Grenfell Inquiry recommendations. Future items to be programmed include updates on the Decent Homes Standard and serious case incident reviews.