Welsh Assembly agree to principles of new fire safety measure

It has been reported that the Welsh Assembly Government have agreed unanimously on the general principles of a new fire safety measure regarding the installation of automatic sprinklers in newly built Welsh properties.

The measure, which was put forward by Ann Jones, the Labour AM for the Vale of Clwyd, on the 24th of November this year, would ensure that all these new homes would need to have this fire safety equipment fitted by builders.

Although the support for the measure was unanimous, recommendations were still offered by the chair of the legislation committee, Rosemary Butler AM, as to its implications over how the water supply will be provided and maintained as well as the impact on affordable housing.

She also warned that the installation costs are likely to be more than the original estimate given when the measure was introduced.

The Finance Committee’s chair, Angela Burns AM, countered that although the cost to developers may be higher, the housing market itself should not be impacted significantly if the measure were to be agreed upon.

It was also suggested that the systems may prove to be a plus point to potential house buyers looking at these properties.

The amendment measure will be considered by the legislation committee who are concerned that fire takes the lives of around 20 people in Wales every year.