Agents ditched in wake of Birmingham fire-safety fine

The firm responsible for a Birmingham tower block said their managing agents “fell short” of expectations, after it was fined £50,000 for failing to comply with an improvement notice.

Freehold Managers(Nominees) Ltd pleaded guilty to safety breaches relating to the 19-storey Centenary Plaza residential block on Holliday Street, in a hearing at Birmingham Magistrates Court, held on 16 October.

Birmingham City Council said a notice issued in September 2023 ordered improvements at the building, including the repair of fire doors, improvements to emergency lighting, and the provision of suitable means of escape from the building in the event of a fire, which were not carried out.

But Freehold Managers laid responsibility for the failures at the door of the building’s managing agents – who in turn said several employees had already left their business in the wake of the ruling.

The company said the improvements had now been completed, adding that it had terminated a contract with managing agent FirstPort for Centenary Plaza.

“We are clear with all managing agents we appoint, that the safety of residents is our foremost concern and that we expect them to meet the highest possible standards in managing our portfolio. It is evident that, in this particular case, our appointed managing agent, FirstPort, fell short of those expectations,” said a spokesperson for Freehold Managers.

“As soon as we were made aware of this failing, our team took immediate action to ensure that all remaining works required under the improvement notice were completed as quickly and safely as possible.

“We take a zero-tolerance approach to any failings and can confirm that we have made the decision to remove FirstPort from this building and are currently reviewing their appointment across our entire portfolio.”

Property management firm FirstPort describes itself as the UK’s largest residential property management company, with over 6,000 developments under their stewardship across the country.

In a statement issued to Place Midlands, FirstPort also confirmed that all works had now been completed at Centenary Plaza, and a thorough investigation had been conducted into processes at the building which had resulted in several staff leaving the company.

“All actions relating to the improvement notice are now fully resolved. A thorough investigation was conducted into the actions of those initially responsible for managing this process. As a result, those individuals are no longer with the business, and our internal systems and procedures have been strengthened,” said a spokesperson.

“The safety and wellbeing of our residents is our highest priority, and we are committed to a culture of learning, accountability, and continuous improvement, working in close partnership with our clients and customers to uphold the highest standards of safety across all the homes we care for.”

The city council says the case is only the second prosecution by a local authority under the Housing Act 2004, which gives local authorities powers to enforce fire safety measures against building owners.

Cllr Nicky Brennan, cabinet member for housing, said the decision was a clear warning to the city’s building owners, adding the council had “zero tolerance” for those who delayed essential fire safety work.

“Where needed, we will use our full powers to protect residents,” she said.

“This decision represents a milestone in our drive to raise standards and hold building owners to account in Birmingham. It will also help set an example for other authorities across the country in safeguarding their residents’ interests using the powers available under housing legislation.”