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Housing: Fire Extinguishers

Answer

The Government has no plans to introduce new provisions for domestic sprinklers in planning policy, sustainable housing policy, building regulations or the guidance that supports these measures.

The Government has recently launched a review of housing standards intended to simplify the current regime of national and local standards so as to support growth in the housing sector. Details of the review can be found on the internet at:

www.gov.uk/government/news/independent-panel-to-help-government-cut-housebuilding-red-tape-and-boost-growth

Research and a review of this issue in 2005 concluded that it would not be cost effective to provide sprinklers in new homes, but that it would be reasonable to provide them in blocks of flats over 30 metres in height and certain types of care homes. The outcome of the research resulted in building regulations being amended to require sprinklers in tall blocks of flats, certain types of care homes and large warehouses.

New regulation on housing needs to be balanced and proportionate. Making sprinklers compulsory in all new homes would add an estimated £2,000 to £3,000 to

the regulatory cost of a new build home, meaning fewer new homes, making home ownership less accessible especially for first time buyers, and potentially pushing up rents in the private rented sector.

Smoke alarms, which have been shown to be very effective in saving lives and reducing injuries, are required in all new homes. We also strongly recommend that people should fit alarms in older homes and check them regularly.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

131693; 554 cc765-6W

Session

2012-13

Subjects

Housing Fire extinguishers Planning permission

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk