Since the Cumberland Towers Fire Safety Risk Assessment was carried out in March 2017 there have been a number of updates to improve fire safety still further and to reassure tenants.

Although the construction of Cumberland Towers, and the proposed cladding, is completely different to Grenfell Tower, Ipswich Borough Council has:

• Fitted new more fire retardant letter-boxes;
• Agreed to install new heat sensors to complement existing smoke detector equipment;
• Approved the retro-fitting of a sprinkler system;
• Carried out regular inspections of communal areas to ensure they are kept clear;
• Held meetings with tenants to reassure them of the safety of their homes.

In addition, a formal inspection of Cumberland Towers by Suffolk Fire & Rescue Service and the Building Control team has been carried out in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy. No concerns were raised with the Borough Council.

Four training exercises were carried at Cumberland Towers by Suffolk Fire & Rescue Service in July and August – part of regular training sessions held there.

How much has Ipswich Borough Council spent on Fire Risk Assessments in each year from 2007/08 to 2017/18 for tower blocks of six storeys or higher which have a residential use?

The Council owns one residential tower block, Cumberland Towers. The amounts spent on Fire Risk Assessments for Cumberland Towers are as follows:

• 2017: £285
• 2016: Internal Fire Risk Assessment carried out.
• 2015: £300
• 2007-2014: Fire Risk Assessments were carried out as a combination of internal and external assessments.

Who has carried out the Council’s Fire Risk Assessments in each year from 2007/08 to 2017/18 for tower blocks of six storeys or higher which have a residential use?

• 2017: Assured Fire Safety Limited
• 2016: The Council’s Sheltered Housing Manager (who has been trained to review and complete Fire Risk Assessments).
• 2015: Assured Fire Safety Limited
• 2007-2014: Fire Risk Assessments were carried out as a combination of internal assessments and assessments by a company called Vigilant Fire & Safety.

What was the date of the last Fire Risk Assessment of Cumberland Towers?

An independent Fire Risk Assessment was carried out on Cumberland Towers in March 2017. Cumberland Towers was also inspected by the Fire Service and Building Control on 20 June 2017.

Has a copy of the last Fire Risk Assessment for Cumberland Towers been published?

View or download the March 2017 Fire Safety Risk Assessment for Cumberland Towers here.

Has the Council purchased any “Smoke Safety Masks” in the last five years? A ”Smoke Safety Mask” is a mask that is worn to prevent smoke inhalation and provide clean / filtered air to the wearer in the event of a fire escape or smoke hazard.

No

How many residential buildings does the Council have in its housing stock?

7,939

How many fire incidents occurred in the housing stock owned / controlled by the Council in the last 3 years?

16 incidents

What were the number of (a) injuries and (b) deaths as a result of the incidents reported

(a) No injuries;

(b) One death.

Please can you confirm the name, job title and email address for the following: a) Head of Health and Safety and the person responsible for ensuring health and safety compliance of the Council’s housing stock? b) Person responsible for ensuring fire safety compliance of building within ownership / control of the Council? c) Head of Housing d) Head of Facilities Management

The Council’s management structure is available here.

Information on how to contact the Council can be found here.