Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to Written Statement of 9 October 2018 on Building safety update, HCWS976, whether he plans to extend the ban on combustible materials to all hospitals irrespective of height.

The Government consulted on applying the ban to residential buildings with a top storey more than 18 metres above ground level, in line with current Building Regulation’s guidance. Following analysis of consultation responses we also included hospitals above 18 metres. The majority of respondents to the consultation showed support for this height threshold and it will be used as the basis for the ban to be consistent with current guidance. The Government will review this height threshold as part of the wider technical review of the building regulations for fire safety set to start in the Autumn.

The NHS already has a very good record of fire safety, but cannot remain complacent. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, NHS organisations must, as far as is reasonably practicable, make sure that everyone on the premises, or nearby, can escape safely if there is a fire. Therefore, they will consider the ban on combustible cladding as part of the regular fire risk assessments they carry out on their estate when they have new build or refurbishment. This will include whether it applies to all walls irrespective of height of the hospital.