Housing association fined after fire safety failings led to death of resident

The council said the housing association admitted failing to attach a self-closing device to a flat entrance door, provide an appropriately configured system for the premises’ stay put policy and address recommendations going back to three years before the fire.

Marcus Canning, director at Mount Green, said: “Having pleaded guilty to the three charges brought against Mount Green Housing Association [MGHA] by Surrey County Council in relation to fire safety breaches at one of our properties in 2022 that resulted in the tragic loss of Mr Waller’s life, we fully accept the fine that has subsequently been issued.

“We recognise how difficult this process has been for Mr Waller’s family and we extend our deepest sympathies to them.

“A remedial works programme to address fire safety issues at Greylees, which began in April 2021, was completed in June 2023.

“We remain committed to taking every learning point on board and have implemented changes to strengthen our processes and policies.

“We continue to work closely with residents across all MGHA’s housing stock to provide assurance that their homes are safe. Our focus continues to be on ensuring our residents’ homes are safe.”

Lee Spencer-Smith, area commander at Surrey Fire and Rescue, said: “First and foremost, the thoughts of everyone here at the service remain with the loved ones of the person who lost their life in January 2022.  

“This sentencing was about accountability in terms of public safety. This is something that we, alongside many other public bodies, are working hard to encourage.

“Responsible persons have a duty of care to their residents, particularly the most vulnerable members of the community. 

“This outcome highlights the consequences of failures in fire safety management and the critical need for proactive, responsible action to protect people.”