Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Noted (AI summary) DWP expresses condolences and explains the policy regarding spare room subsidy, but states they cannot comment on the specifics of the case. They state that the policy is clear and additional support is available through the DHP scheme.

Noted (AI summary) The Ministry of Housing acknowledges the concerns regarding window restrictors but argues that current legislative arrangements are proportionate and appropriate. They state that the Building Safety Regulator will consider how Building Regulations and Approved Documents ensure protection from falling.

Noted (AI summary) Energy UK expresses condolences and notes that it does not represent all energy network companies. It outlines existing industry practices regarding meter placement, safety checks, and support for vulnerable customers, referencing Ofgem guidance. Ofgem introduced new rules in November 2023 restricting suppliers from involuntarily installing prepayment meters for specific vulnerable customers, and suppliers are now required to assess the safety of prepayment meters annually.

Noted (AI summary) The CQC states that the location where the death occurred was not registered with them and appears to fall outside the scope of registration and regulation by them. They have requested interested person status and an extension to gather further information. The CQC states that the sheltered accommodation where the deceased resided is not registered with them and therefore not regulated by them, so they cannot comment on the specific concern raised.

Noted (AI summary) North West Ambulance Service has revised its 111 policy to remove exclusions for self-conveyance to hospital, save for Category 1 incidents, and to directly confirm patient refusal of an ambulance where possible. The updated SOP went live on 5th September 2023 and staff were informed. The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities will pilot measures to improve enforcement of damp and mould with £10m funding and intends to introduce the Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector. They will also introduce new regulations following a review of the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). The Department of Health and Social Care states that NHS England has confirmed with ambulance trusts that no blanket policies are in place advising patients with chest pain not to travel to A&E. NHS111 calls are dealt with on a case-by-case basis, and patients are provided with interim advice.

Noted (AI summary) The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities acknowledges the concerns regarding fire safety measures in extra care facilities and outlines existing regulations, guidance, and the role of the Building Safety Regulator. They have forwarded the letter to the Director of Building Safety at the Building Safety Regulator.

Noted (AI summary) The Secretary of State calls on social housing providers to treat damp and mould seriously, meet the Decent Homes Standard, and self-refer to the Regulator of Social Housing if in breach of standards. They also highlight the upcoming Social Housing Regulation Bill to hold landlords accountable. The Secretary of State requests local authorities prioritize improving housing conditions for private and social tenants, focusing on damp and mould. They request information on the number of properties with damp and mould and how enforcement of housing standards is being prioritized. The Secretary of State asks legal representatives to direct social housing tenants with concerns about housing to the Social Housing Ombudsman, highlighting recent changes making it easier to access the Ombudsman. The government outlines actions taken to address damp and mould in social housing, including issuing guidance to landlords, suspending funding to Rochdale Boroughwide Housing, and awarding funding to areas with poor privately rented homes. They also highlight the Social Housing Regulation Bill to hold landlords accountable.

Noted (AI summary) The Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities references existing building regulations, guidance, and the role of fire and rescue authorities, but does not commit to further action.

Noted (AI summary) AMDEA's Technical Manager on Refrigeration together with industry safety specialists prepared a basic proposal for change to the international standard IEC 60335-2-24. This proposal was placed before the BSI committee CPL61 and was accepted as a UK proposal for change at international level in 2014; the UK proposal was accepted by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) meeting in Tokyo. BSI Committees CPL/61 and PEL/33 reviewed the points raised and are submitting a proposal to the International Committee to add a warning about supply cords and portable socket-outlets to relevant appliances, and a new test for non-metallic material covering thermal insulation. The Society explains its role as a professional body for forensic science practitioners, noting that their reports are usually delivered directly to those who engaged them and may be sensitive or confidential. They state that forensic scientists are rarely involved in fire investigations unless they are serious, unexplained or suspicious, and that the fire service and/or police usually investigate. CFOA will engage proactively with DCLG to help develop the future IRS and the ease by which this type of information can be gathered, accessed and disseminated. CFOA will provide guidance to FRS by April 2015 to help ensure that the information provided on IRS is as accurate and meaningful as is possible to facilitate the ease by which DCLG could provide it to TS and manufacturers if they decided to do so. BIS will consider consistency of guidance and sharing of best practice as part of the independent review of consumer product recalls. The potential for a Code of Practice will also be considered as part of the independent review. BIS will continue to support AMDEA's Register my Appliance site.

Noted (AI summary) The Department for Communities and Local Government acknowledges the concerns regarding glazing safety but notes that Building Regulations only apply to new building work and extensions. It outlines the duties of landlords and the powers of local authorities to tackle poor-quality accommodation.