More than 200 flat blocks in Birmingham are to be fitted with sprinkler systems and other fire suppression measures.

City Council leader John Clancy has confirmed the local authority will examine the 213 blocks of flats it owns to assess what work needs to be undertaken to reassure tenants they are safe.

The move comes following the Grenfell Tower fire in London, which police say may have claimed the lives of 74 people.

Cllr Clancy said up to an estimated £31 million is needed to retro-fit measures which reduce the risk of fire and help tenants to feel safer.

The local authority's current capital investment programme includes external wall insulation which is different to the over cladding with ACM cassette rain screen and curtain walling that appears to have been used on Grenfell Tower


The council has used insulated render systems to externally clad/insulate BCC tower blocks. The products that have been used are Structherm, Weber, Alumasc and all are class O or "low risk" as described in the national building regulations. They have also attained BS8414 part 1 (fire performance of external cladding systems and have been used on 16 tower blocks.

Cllr Clancy said: "The dreadful events in London have understandably triggered an outburst of public anger and demands that councils need to do far more to protect tenants living in high-rise blocks.

"I became council leader pledging that every child, every citizen and every place matters. Now is the time to underline that promise by recognising that as a council we have a duty to provide the best possible fire protection for our tenants, and we will do whatever it takes to keep people safe.

"But the cost of doing this for all local authorities with tower blocks is certain to be substantial and beyond the means of austerity-hit councils to afford in a timely fashion.

"The Government should accept this is a national emergency that fully justifies establishing a fund to allow councils to fit sprinkler systems as a matter of urgency.

"If the Government fails to respond appropriately, I believe our tenants would expect work on less important building projects to be delayed so that we can make sure our tower blocks are safer places to live in."

(LM)