Mount Green Housing Association has been fined £120,000 after admitting fire safety breaches at an independent living scheme that led to the death of a vulnerable resident
The incident occurred in January 2022 when a fire broke out at Greylees in Godalming, with a number of residents being rescued by firefighters from Surrey Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS). However, one wheelchair-using resident was overcome by heat and smoke in a communal corridor and was unable to escape.
The prosecution brought by SFRS saw Mount Green pleading guilty to breaching the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 by placing individuals at risk of death or serious injury.
The housing association admitted to failing to address safety recommendations dating back as far as 2019, attaching a self-closing device to a flat entrance door, and providing an appropriately configured system for the premises’ stay-put policy.
As reported by Surrey County Council, the judge made it clear at the sentencing on Wednesday 4 February at Staines Magistrates’ Court that the fine was lower than would usually be the case due to the community impact that the association has, saying: “I cannot impress enough that the reason this is so low is that the money is needed to help others in the community – domestic abuse, housing.”
Speaking after the sentence was handed down, Mount Green director Marcus Canning said: “Having pleaded guilty to the three charges brought against Mount Green Housing Association 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.
“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.”
He also extended his “deepest sympathies” to the family of the deceased and reiterated that Mount Green continued to focus on “ensuring our residents’ homes are safe.”
On the conclusion of the case, Area Commander at SFRS Lee Spencer-Smith said: “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.”