What can be done about LPS tower block safety issues?

The Institution of Structural Engineers said under new legislation owners of higher-risk buildings (HRBs), including all tower blocks, must apply for a safety certificate from the Building Safety Regulator.

This includes assessments on structural performance in a fire or after an accidental event, but the regulator said it will take time as there are thousands of HRBs to be assessed by 2029.

While leaseholders who own properties in the blocks are being bought out, and tenants are being rehoused by local authorities, some councils say this is being made more complicated amid financial struggles and a short supply of social housing.

Councillor Grace Williams from London Councils, which represents local authorities across the capital, said the situation “can’t be justified”.

“The right thing to do is for the councils to be clear what the situation is, with tenants and leaseholders, and be clear about the actions they’re taking,” she explained.

“We also know we need to work even harder with the government, the Greater London Authority and the regulator.”

A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson said: “We take the safety and security of people living in high rise buildings incredibly seriously.

“Building owners have a responsibility to make sure their buildings are safe, including [those] built with Large Panel Systems.

“Where decants occur, we play an active role in supporting local regulators and residents, and the safety and wellbeing of residents is at the core of all our work.”