Home from Home Property Management Ltd, along with its 62-year-old director, Mr Ottley from Tuddenham, have been convicted of fire safety violations after a trial at Colchester Magistrates’ Court.

Mr Ottley has been handed a ten-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, and is required to complete 120 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, Home from Home Property Management Ltd has been fined £60,000. The court also mandated that costs of £49,500 be awarded to Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, to be split between Ottley and the company.

A spokesperson from Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service emphasised the significant dangers posed to residents due to the company's substandard fire safety practices, stating, “This sentence reflects the severity of the potential risk posed to residents due to Home from Home Property Management Ltd’s actions had a fire occurred.”

They added, “Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service protection officers actively work to ensure premises are compliant with fire safety legislation. The inadequate fire safety measures and management in this case could have resulted in serious injury or loss of life. We hope this judgement will send a clear message to all managing agents of the importance of fire safety.”

Highlighting their ongoing dedication, the spokesperson said, “Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service is committed to working with those willing to address fire safety issues, but as an enforcing authority will not hesitate in prosecuting where lives are placed at risk.”

Councillor Steve Wiles, Cabinet member for public protection at Suffolk County Council, remarked, “Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service rightly maintains the highest standards when it comes to public safety, and I’m pleased to see that the court has supported that position. The safety and well-being of the public is paramount. When the actions of companies such as Home from Home Property Management Ltd undermine that safety, it’s only right that they are held to account.”

Background to the Case

Home from Home Property Management Ltd manages the properties at 2-100 Wolsey Street in Ipswich. In July 2017, it was revealed that Aluminium Composite Material cladding, known for its fire risk, was used at these flats. The same year, a fire risk assessment commissioned by the company failed to acknowledge the high fire risk due to incorrect information provided by the firm.

When this discrepancy came to light, the assessor invalidated the original fire risk assessment and recommended a new one. However, in 2019, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service officers found that the inadequate fire risk assessment was still being used, alongside other areas of non-compliance, including safe escape routes, proper functioning of automatic opening vents, an appropriate fire alarm system, and resident awareness of evacuation procedures.

By August 2021, a new fire risk assessor confirmed the ongoing risks and began efforts to mitigate them. Home from Home Property Management Ltd is now working to remove the cladding with the support of central government funding.

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