Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government written question – answered at on 5 November 2025.
Noah Law
Labour, St Austell and Newquay
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether he is taking steps to ensure that site freeholders are financially responsible for fighting fires within derelict buildings.
Alison McGovern
Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
Owners of derelict buildings have obligations in respect of fire safety measures. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, as amended by Section 156 of the Building Safety Act 2022, the “Responsible Person” (usually the owner or person in control of the premises) must:
- Carry out and record a fire risk assessment
- Take steps to reduce fire risks
- Maintain fire safety measures — even in non-occupied or derelict buildings
Owners of derelict buildings are also required to liaise with their council tax authority concerning payment of council tax.
Yes1 person thinks so
No1 person thinks not
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Secretary of State was originally the title given to the two officials who conducted the Royal Correspondence under Elizabeth I. Now it is the title held by some of the more important Government Ministers, for example the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.
