A number of local authorities have successfully lobbied the
Government to change guidance for providers of accommodation in
small premises. This guidance is an integral part of the fire
safety regulatory framework that extends the ‘reach’ of fire safety
standards beyond hotels, to which they had traditionally applied,
into small accommodation providers such as Bed and Breakfast
premises. The council and many other partners in Suffolk saw this
as unreasonably burdensome for small businesses.
Suffolk County Council has evidence that advice provided in the
implementation of the revised guidance has reduced the financial
burden associated with ensuring that Bed and Breakfasts meet the
standards. This is particularly welcome at a time of increased
economic pressure on these businesses. Since its introduction
in November 2008 Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service have been applying
this guidance and have supported a number of small businesses in
achieving safe standards without extensive cost.
The Governments extending of the ‘reach’ of fire safety
standards was seen as potentially detrimental to small business in
Suffolk. The impact of the new fire safety guidance is being felt
by small B&B providers; in one example substantial savings have
been made as the owner of a small B&B, two floors with three
bedrooms, in Sudbury was able to meet the fire regulations by:
• Fitting battery powered radio linked detectors which need
not be fitted by a company;
• Buying their own extinguisher and looking after it
themselves; and,
• Having substantial doors with spring operated self closing
devices.
In a second example in Earl Stonham the owner of a two storey
guest house with three rooms made savings before the introduction
of the new guidance through the risk based approach of the
inspecting fire officer. The savings were again made by
accepting substantial doors instead of fully conforming fire doors
fitted with smoke strips and hydraulic self closing devices,
additionally existing emergency torches were accepted in stead of a
costly emergency lighting system.
Jeremy Pembroke, Leader of Suffolk County Council said “The food
and tourism sectors are a vital part of the local economy in
Suffolk with tourism alone bringing in over £1billion. As a council
we are exploring ways to promote Suffolk for the coming summer
season and ensure that any increased domestic spend on tourism
comes to Suffolk
“