Practical fire safety for existing specialised housing and similar premises: BRIA

6. Scottish Firms Impact Test

The nature of the implementation of the Guidance is unlikely to impact on Scottish firms. The following consumer assessment questions have been considered and it is felt unlikely that any new Guidance will have a significant impact on Scottish firms:

• Will it have an impact on the competitiveness of Scottish companies within the UK, or elsewhere in Europe or the rest of the world?
• How many businesses and what sectors is it likely to impact on?
• What is the likely cost or benefit to business?

Our assessment is this will not impact on competitiveness as the same approach is applied across the sector as a whole, although there may be more opportunities for risk assessment consultancies and fire protection companies as a result of increased awareness of fire safety.

The businesses and sectors this will have an effect on include: housing providers (private landlords, housing associations, local authorities), care providers, commissioners of care services.

From discussions with regulators and specialised housing and care providers, it is not expected that costs will be excessive. Many are already carrying out some form of premises based fire risk assessment and some are already considering person-centred requirements. For most, the Guidance will constitute best practice. In some high risk cases there may be significant costs associated with the provision of suppression systems for the most vulnerable, particularly where staff are not present to assist with evacuation. Such measures will, however, strengthen fire safety by either preventing or reducing the impact of fires, thereby reducing harm from fire and building damage.