How we're keeping council tenants safe in high-rise buildings

What we're doing and how we're working with our council tenants to keep them safe, including our cladding replacement programme.

The Building Safety Act 2022 included new requirements to:

  • improve safety in high-rise buildings (7 or more storeys, or over 18 metres tall) especially fire risks and structural issues
  • work with residents (aged 16 and over) living in high-rise buildings to help us improve building safety

The  pdf Resident Engagement Strategy for Building Safety(2.46 MB) was developed after speaking to over 1,000 residents in telephone surveys and through consultation.

How we'll keep homes safe

We'll:

  • work with residents to set and share Building Safety Standards
  • make sure fire exit signs and evacuation procedures are visible and accessible to everyone
  • tell residents about any fire safety improvements in high-rise buildings
  • do regular safety checks of communal areas to keep escape routes clear

How we'll share information

We'll:

  • provide clear, accessible information by letter, email, our website and communal notice boards
  • publish dedicated web pages for each high-rise block
  • share safety updates and inspection results
  • respond to information requests within 20 working days

How we'll listen and involve residents

We'll:

  • attend local meetings and resident support groups
  • develop tailored engagement plans for each high-rise building
  • consult with residents before any major works and provide feedback
  • set up a high-rise living resident forum

How we'll support residents with additional needs

We'll:

  • use individual risk assessments to support residents in the event of evacuation
  • make reasonable adjustments and provide accessible alarms
  • refer residents to the Avon Fire and Rescue Service for home safety checks

How we'll review these plans

We'll:

  • work with residents to monitor and review the Resident Engagement Strategy for Building Safety in 2026 and then every two years after that
  • monitor and evaluate resident feedback, complaints and building safety concerns

Cladding replacement programme

Following our successful application to the Government's Cladding Safety Scheme, on Friday 18 July 2025 the Homes and Housing Delivery Committee approved proposals to fast-track the removal of cladding across 24 high rise blocks.

This means that the buildings identified as needing an upgrade to their exterior walls will have the cladding replaced using funding from central government.

The first phase of these works will involve removing cladding from:

  • Barton House
  • Castlegate House
  • Holroyd House
  • Polden House

Letters regarding phase one have been sent to all residents in these 4 blocks. Digital copies are also below.

Phase one letters sent to residents

If you have any questions about this programme, please email claddingreplacement@bristol.gov.uk.

Tell us about a problem with a form, page or account