Director Fined Over Misleading Fire Risk Assessment Information

A property management company and its director have been fined, with the director receiving a suspended custodial sentence, for providing "misleading information to a fire risk assessor" regarding cladding used on apartment blocks in Ipswich.

The successful prosecution, led by Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), followed a trial at Colchester Magistrates’ Court. Home from Home Property Management Ltd and its director, Edward Ottley, were found guilty of eight offences. Four of these related to non-compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 by the company, while the remaining four concerned Ottley’s personal failure to adhere to the legislation.

As reported by the Fire Protection Association, aluminium composite cladding—a material known for its fire risks—was discovered on properties at 2-100 Wolsey Street in July 2017. Home from Home appointed a company to conduct a fire risk assessment, but the evaluation failed to account for the significant fire risk posed by the cladding.

Suffolk County Council later revealed that inaccurate information had been provided to the fire risk assessor about the cladding’s risk level. Once the assessor realized this, they invalidated their initial assessment and advised that a new evaluation be conducted. However, in 2019, SFRS officers found that the original fire risk assessment was still in place, with no action taken to address the cladding risks.

Additionally, SFRS identified several other areas of non-compliance, including:

• Failure to ensure safe means of escape;

• Malfunctioning automatic opening vents;

• Inadequate fire alarm systems; and

• Lack of proper fire evacuation guidance for residents.

In August 2021, a new fire risk assessor was appointed, and efforts were made to remove the cladding with government funding.

During sentencing in July 2022, Ottley was handed a 20-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to complete 120 hours of unpaid work. Home from Home was fined £60,000, while SFRS was awarded £18,500 in costs, to be equally shared between Ottley and the company.

“This sentence highlights the severity of the potential risks to residents due to Home from Home’s actions,” said an SFRS spokesperson. “Inadequate fire safety measures and management in this case could have led to serious injury or loss of life. This prosecution should serve as a clear message to all managing agents about the importance of fire safety.”

Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Protection, Councillor Steve Wiles, praised the verdict, stating: “The safety and wellbeing of the public is paramount. When companies undermine that safety, it is only right that they are held accountable.”