More high-rise blocks to be fitted with sprinklers

Ministers are planning law changes that would mean sprinklers would have to be installed in new flats which are at least 18m high, around six floors. They are only currently required on 30m buildings, which is around 10 floors.

A new Protection Board is also being set up which will aim to ensure any safety risks found in blocks are acted on. Checks could also be carried out on all buildings classed as "high-risk" by 2021.

The development comes after an Express & Star investigation revealed no measures had been taken to fit sprinklers in tower blocks in the Black Country since the Grenfell Tower blaze which killed 72 people.

Fire chiefs are unequivocal about the impact of sprinklers and say they save lives. Wolverhampton Council is planning to role out sprinklers as part of a five-year safety programme, while bosses in Sandwell are also considering having them installed.

The Holiday Inn hotel next to the M6 in Walsall that was destroyed by a huge blaze last month was not fitted with sprinklers, despite the advice of experts.

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said: "Residents’ safety is our utmost priority and we are making vital improvements to ensure buildings are safe.

"I have listened to concerns on sprinklers from residents and building owners and our proposals are an important step forward in shaping the future building safety standards.

"The new Protection Board will make sure building owners don’t flout the rules, as well as ensuring fire safety risks in other buildings are being addressed.

The Government is also putting up £200 million to ensure private building owners to remove unsafe cladding, which was a big factor in the Grenfell disaster.

Building safety minister Lord Younger said: "I’m determined to ensure buildings across the country are safe for residents and the opening of our private sector fund and commitment to new building safety legislation is an important step in driving that forward."