THURROCK Council is at risk of legal action for not remedying high risk fire safety problems, a report has revealed.

An audit of the council's fire risk assessments, which are carried out regularly and highlight any remedial action needed, found an "action log" of more than 20 high risk priority actions that had not been completed, with some dating back to September 2021.

The overdue work included an upgrade of fire alarm systems, fitting additional fire detection, fitting 30-minute fire resisting doors and windows and removing UPVC panels that create an enclosed space.

In addition, a review of the fire safety audit action log identified older outstanding work such as repairs to a damaged and inoperative access control system, an emergency light not working, faulty intumescent strip and a kitchen door in need of replacement.

Testing identified for 14 out of 20 properties which were bought back by the Council during 2024/25 had not been included in the housing team's schedule of fire safety checks. Council managers said this was due to a "communication gap between the legal and housing teams when a property has been acquired".

Fire safety controls were tightened in the wake of the Grenfell high-rise fire tragedy in West London in 2017.

However, the council is yet to develop an action plan of how it will implement recommendations from Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

The report, which the council's audit committee will consider on Tuesday (24 June), said: "Thurrock Council manages a substantial portfolio of housing properties, approximately 10,000, including 15 higher risk residential buildings.

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"The council has statutory responsibilities under fire safety regulations to protect residents from fire hazards. These responsibilities are critical to preventing incidents such as the Grenfell Tower fire and ensuring that housing properties are safe and compliant with current regulations.

"Non-compliance with fire safety regulations can lead to legal action, fines, and sanctions against the council, and personal liability for senior management and members if found negligent in their duties."

A spokesperson for Thurrock Council, said: "Residents' safety is our top priority which is why we monitor our buildings so closely.

"Some issues are logged as high risk on our systems to ensure we take them seriously, which is what we have done by putting active measures in place to keep residents safe.

"These measures mean that the safety of residents is not being compromised, and we are working hard to fix the issues permanently."