Sheffield high-rise tenant challenges council over window safety issues

Peter MacLoughlin, who has been a council tenant for 40 years, wrote to Sheffield City Council’s director of housing James Clark following responses he got to questions he asked at the housing policy committee meeting of March 19.

He is concerned that council actions to look at tower block window safety are too generalised and wants to see checks carried out in high-rise blocks.

He has complained that window locks in high-rise flats can be overridden by tenants and has pointed to two deaths from falls in the past three years.

Mr MacLoughlin wrote to Mr Clark: “As a long-term tenant, I am deeply dissatisfied with the council’s reliance on the upcoming, or partially completed, external consultant Baily Garner window safety review.

“The reliance on this external report is unacceptable given the urgent nature of window safety.

“Following the tragic deaths of tenants in Sheffield high-rise flats (Upperthorpe 2022, Netherthorpe 2023) and Sheffield’s assistant coroner’s findings regarding the council’s “inaction in relation to the investigation and assessment of risk,” the council’s response at the March 19 housing policy committee meeting failed to provide necessary reassurance.

“The response confirmed that the Baily Garner review was a “broad assessment” and not an individual examination of each window restrictor.

“Given the coroner’s findings following deaths in 2022 and 2023, relying on a broad assessment while children and vulnerable adults remain at risk behind potentially faulty windows is unacceptable.

“The duty to identify “missing, worn, or faulty restrictors” necessitates immediate inspection of every single unit, not a staged, deferred programme.

“The statement that the council “does not follow a fixed timetable for distributing reminder letters about window safety” is shocking, particularly following the warning from Coroner Alexandra Pountney regarding the council’s “inaction in relation to the investigation and assessment of risk”.

“The decision to prioritise “targeted inspections” before formulating a “comprehensive programme” appears to be a typical delay tactic used to defer necessary capital expenditure.”

Mr MacLoughlin called for a clear, block-by-block timeline of safety checks for when all window restrictors will be individually checked, repaired, or replaced. He also demanded formal, written publication of the Baily Garner report and any interim findings.

“This is a life safety issue, and as a council tenant, I expect mine and other tower block homes to be safe and the council to act proactively, not reactively,” added.

The council is restricted in responses it can make before the May 7 council elections.

Committee chair Coun Douglas Johnson provided Mr MacLoughlin with a response to his questions to the March meeting.

He said: “The independent expert review conducted by Baily Garner offered a broad assessment of the overall condition and risks throughout the high-rise estate only.

“It did not indicate that each window or safety catch was examined individually. Rather, the review pinpointed concerns such as missing, worn, or faulty restrictors and emphasised the necessity for further, more detailed surveys to accurately determine the state of window systems and restrictor arrangements on a block-by-block basis.

“As a result, the next steps outlined involve targeted inspections, which are essential before the selection of products and the development of a comprehensive programme can proceed.

“Currently, the council does not follow a fixed timetable for distributing reminder letters about window safety. In the past, all residents living in high-rise buildings were provided with written guidance detailing recommended window safety practices.

“Since then, ongoing communication has been maintained through multiple channels and forums, ensuring that residents continue to receive important updates and remain informed about window safety matters.”