Brent Council is carrying out an “intrusive” programme into fire safety in the borough to ensure that buildings are safe following the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

Cllr Eleanor Southwood, responsible for housing and welfare reform at Brent Council, presented a report on its programme to protect residents last week.

She explained it had carried out several improvements – such as the introduction of specialist fire doors in council properties – and it would continue to monitor the situation.

This includes the need to keep communal areas clear, installing higher quality alarms and fitting sprinklers in six high-rise blocks.

The report also pointed out the council will carry out testing and the necessary fire-prevention measures on buildings with cladding.

There are no council buildings with the aluminium composite material cladding that was present at Grenfell.

“Keeping residents safe in their homes has to be our top priority,” said Cllr Southwood.

“This report is an overview of what we are doing with our own stock, which is around making sure that we do the most intrusive fire safety checks to make sure we are aware of any risks that exist.”

She added there will be greater opportunity to “keep a handle” on fire safety once cleaning services for council properties have been brought back in-house.

And she reminded private landlords they must adhere to the council’s licensing policies on fire safety, including annual gas safety checks and periodical checks of electrical appliances.

Those managing houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) must install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on floors with “a solid fuel source”, put fire blankets in kitchens and ensure there is a clear fire escape route.