Following the tragic death of a four-year-old in a house fire in East Finchley in April, Barnet Council has announced that all its multiple-occupancy houses will be fitted with automatic fire detection systems.
Councillor Brian Coleman, cabinet member for environment, answered a question at the council policy conference on Thursday, June 20 about the tragic death in April of Lubale Munina, the son of a Kenyan asylum seeker who was housed by the council in privately-owned temporary accommodation in East End Road.
Mr Coleman said: "The premises did not have an automatic fire detection system, which, whilst not a legal requirement when the fire lobbies were installed, I believe is crucial, and is now, of course, a legal requirement.
"Furthermore, I can assure members this will now be required in all accommodation which this council uses for temporary accommodation. Environmental health and housing is urgently reviewing all its relevant procedures and policies to ensure that safety is assured."
An inquest into Lubale's death will be held in the coming months.
June 26, 2002 12:00
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