Tower block company fined £240,000 over fire safety failings

A company responsible for a high-rise residential development has been fined £240,000 after failing to carry out vital fire safety improvements ordered by Birmingham City Council.

Avamore Limited, the company responsible for Solihull Heights, failed to comply with an Improvement Notice from the council. The notice required a fire detection system to be installed across the site's three tower blocks, to give residents early warning of a fire involving the buildings' external walls.

Fine reduced for early guilty plea

The company pleaded guilty at Birmingham Magistrates' Court to failing to comply with the notice. At sentencing on 16 October, a £360,000 fine was reduced to £240,000 because of the early guilty plea. Avamore Limited was also ordered to pay prosecution costs and a £2,000 victim surcharge.

26 more developments under enforcement

The council says the prosecution is the latest step in its work to make high-rise homes safer. Specialist officers continue to investigate fire safety concerns across the city, and 26 further developments are currently subject to enforcement action.

Councillor Harris Khaliq, cabinet member for city services and digital, said: "Everyone deserves to feel safe in their own home. Residents should never be left worrying whether building owners are taking fire safety seriously or acting when risks are identified."

"This case sends a clear message. If landlords, developers or building owners ignore legal notices designed to protect residents, Birmingham City Council will take action and hold them to account," he said.

"For too long, too many people have felt powerless when serious issues affecting their safety were ignored. Our job is to stand on the side of residents, not those who cut corners. That is exactly what we are doing."

He added: "I want to thank our specialist officers for their determination and professionalism. They are leading important work across the city to ensure that safety comes before profit and that those responsible for these buildings meet their obligations."

What it means for residents

Since the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, fire safety in high-rise blocks has been a major concern for people living in flats across the country. Many residents have faced long waits while building owners and developers argued over who should pay for remedial work.

Councils have powers under housing law to require landlords and building owners to fix serious hazards, including fire safety risks, and to prosecute them if they do not. Today's case shows those powers being used in Birmingham.

Residents of high-rise blocks who are worried about fire safety in their building can raise their concerns with their landlord or managing agent, and with Birmingham City Council if problems are not put right.