Mount Green Housing Association has been ordered to pay £120,636 after serious fire safety failings led to the tragic death of a vulnerable resident at its Greylees independent living scheme in Godalming, Surrey. The sentencing followed a detailed investigation and prosecution brought by Surrey Fire and Rescue Service. [news.surreycc.gov.uk]
Background: Fatal Fire at Greylees
The case relates to a fire that broke out in January 2022, during which a resident who used a wheelchair was unable to escape and was overcome by heat and smoke in a communal corridor. Several other occupants required rescue by firefighters, and some were treated for smoke inhalation. [propertyweek.com], [msn.com]
Fire Safety Breaches
Mount Green pleaded guilty to multiple breaches of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, including:
- Failing to install a self-closing device on a flat entrance door.
- Failing to provide an appropriately configured system to support the building’s stay‑put policy.
- Failing to act on fire safety recommendations going back three years prior to the incident. [insidehousing.co.uk], [yahoo.com]
Investigators determined that these failures significantly increased the risks to residents, particularly those with additional mobility needs.
Sentencing and Court Outcome
The case was heard at Staines Magistrates’ Court, where Mount Green received the £120,636 fine. Sentencing officials emphasised that the breaches had “put people at risk of death and serious injury.” [propertyweek.com]
Area Commander Lee Spencer-Smith of Surrey Fire and Rescue Service highlighted the importance of accountability, stating that the outcome demonstrates the consequences of inadequate fire safety management and reinforces the duty of care required of housing providers. [propertyweek.com], [yahoo.com]
Response from Mount Green
Mount Green Housing Association stated it fully accepts the court’s decision and extended its “deepest sympathies” to the family of the resident who lost his life, identified in reports as Mr. Waller. The organisation noted that a full programme of remedial fire safety works at Greylees—initiated in April 2021—was completed in June 2023. [insidehousing.co.uk], [propertyweek.com]
Director Marcus Canning said the association has taken every lesson on board and implemented changes to strengthen policies, processes, and resident safety across all properties. [insidehousing.co.uk]
Wider Context
This case adds to growing national scrutiny of fire safety standards within social housing. Industry observers note that failures to maintain essential fire protection measures can have devastating consequences, particularly for vulnerable residents dependent on safe, accessible living environments. [yahoo.com]
