Issue - meetings

[Report of the Director for Housing, Regeneration and Planning. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Housing and Estate Renewal.]

The report seeks Cabinet approval to revise leaseholder policy to ensure that any alterations to external windows and doors do not compromise fire safety.

[Cllr Chandwani remained absent for the duration of this item.]

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Estate Renewal introduced the report which sought to ensure that the Council fulfilled its obligations as a ‘responsible landlord’ in accordance with current legislation and, by removing the permission that allowed leaseholders to procure and install their own windows and doors, sought to take the necessary fire precautions to ensure safety was not compromised. It was noted that some of the information had been covered in the deputation under item 8.

The Cabinet Member outlined that the alterations policy for leaseholders would provide clear guidance on the different categories of work within and outside their homes for which the Council’s consent would be required. The implementation of the policy would ensure that external installations adhered to the current regulatory standards and did not compromise fire safety. This would ensure that leaseholders and other residents would be safe in their homes. It was noted that the policy would also provide clear guidance on fees for leaseholders so that they could make fully informed decisions before deciding to undertake alterations to their homes.

The Leader enquired whether this change in policy would mean that Haringey was taking a different approach to other councils or whether this would bring Haringey in line with other councils. The Cabinet Member explained that, where a policy allowed leaseholders to replace windows and doors, it was difficult to understand and regulate works. The Cabinet Member clarified that there was no suggestion that leaseholders were more likely to undertake non-compliant work but highlighted that it would only take one piece of non-compliant work to cause harm. She added that she had spoken to some other London Boroughs and that their policies were broadly similar to the current proposal.

Sean McLaughlin, Managing Director (Homes for Haringey), noted that there was a range of policies across London Boroughs but that, on issues such as alterations and use of communal areas, many authorities were seeking increased restrictions and enforcement. It was explained that the new policy was not just based on comparing practice between boroughs but on advice from the London Fire Brigade and feedback from fires. In relation to front doors, practice could depend on the status of an individual Council’s replacement and fitting programme and which doors they were permitted to fit. It was explained that, under Building Regulations, existing doors were held to the standard that applied when they were fitted but newly fitted doors were required to comply with new standards. So, although there were some differences between councils, most councils were seeking higher standards and a tougher enforcement approach.

The Cabinet Member noted that there were some variations between boroughs; she had spoken to one borough which had never permitted leaseholders to fit their own windows but did permit leaseholders to test a door and ask the council to fit it. However, she highlighted that some installations, including safety grilles on windows and security doors, could put residents at risk  ...  view the full minutes text for item 348