Spectrum Building fire: Barking & Dagenham Council slams block manager

Block Management UK Ltd has been criticised by the authority for its actions following the devastating blaze at the Spectrum Building in Chadwell Heath last month.

The flat block in Freshwater Road went up in flames in the early hours of August 26, in news that made national headlines. 

More than 80 people were evacuated from the building, some of whom have since been moved to temporary housing whilst an investigation is carried out. 

More than 200 firefighters were called in to battle the fire (Image: Darren Sidey) In an update to this paper, the council claimed that Block Management "haven't yet shown up to meet those affected". 

A spokesperson said: "This is a private block and no council tenants were living there.

"Block Management UK Ltd manage the building and we’re working with the government to ensure they comply with their legal obligations to affected residents.

"They should be leading on support for residents in this private block and they haven’t yet shown up to meet those affected – they have a moral duty to do so."

Residents in hotels expressed concerns earlier this week over their housing arrangements as hotel bookings began to expire. 

Investigations are ongoing into the cause of the blaze (Image: LFB) The council revealed that it is currently providing emergency accommodation to about 27 households, working with them "on a case by case basis". 

A spokesperson confirmed that some residents were moved to longer-term accommodation on September 10. 

They said: "We continue to provide regular information updates to affected residents - providing a listening ear for additional needs and taking action to support as best we can.

"We're also providing further help through a virtual centre, with dedicated support information for residents online and by phone as requested by residents."

A community assistance centre has been set up in support of residents, helping those affected with housing, food vouchers, replacements of key documents and more. 

We contacted Block Management UK Ltd for a response to the council's criticisms. 

The management company was asked directly whether it accepts the claim that they have not yet visited affected residents.

It did not address this in its response. 

A drone photo of the fire from above (Image: Darren Sidey) A spokesperson said: “We sympathise with all those affected by this situation. 

"We are working with all relevant parties to provide support and have agreed a communications strategy with the council,  which includes weekly and urgent updates to all residents."

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The cause of the fire is under investigation by the London Fire Brigade and Metropolitan Police. 

The Block Management spokesperson added: "As Block Management UK Ltd is hired by the building owner to manage the common parts of the property, not the individual flats, we are unable to answer any questions relating to the cause of the fire or to the insurance policy or its claim provisions as this was put in place by the building owner. 

"All enquiries on the insurance are being handled by the building owner’s insurance agents."

Dagenham and Rainham MP Margaret Mullane raised the issue of the fire in the House of Commons this week in a debate on building safety.

She added: "I have been meeting with people who lived in the building whose lives have been turned upside down and am working with Barking and Dagenham Council staff to secure appropriate accommodation so that families can move on from emergency stays in hotels."