Residents living in Gateshead’s tower blocks will soon know how the council plans to manage their safety, with a key decision due at a Cabinet meeting on 14 July 2026. The Gateshead Cabinet will consider the High Rise Building Safety Policy at 10:00am in the Bridges Room at the Civic Centre.
The policy, classified as a key decision and reported by the Strategic Director, Housing, Environment and Operations, sets out the framework for managing building safety in high-rise residential properties. It follows the Building Safety Act 2022, brought in after the Grenfell Tower tragedy in June 2017, and places a legal duty on the council to involve residents in safety decisions for higher-risk buildings.
Ian McLackland, Service Director for Repairs and Building Maintenance, is the council’s Accountable Person under the Act. He stressed the importance of the role, saying, “It’s my job to make sure we follow all the safety rules and advice. I really want everyone to feel safe in their homes and take building safety very seriously.” The council previously held a public consultation in early 2024, giving residents a chance to join the Multi-Storey Safety Group and shape how their homes are managed.
The new policy builds on six compliance policies approved in December 2024, covering Asbestos, Electrical, Gas and Heating, Lift, Fire, and Water Safety, along with a Damp and Mould policy. The council has also ring-fenced £5 million for building safety improvements as part of a wider £311 million housing investment plan over five years.
The Democratic Services Team can be reached on 0191 433 3000 for those seeking more details about the meeting.
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