Fire Safety Concerns: Will Forster MP Takes Action Over Disputed EWS1 Forms
Will Forster, Member of Parliament for Woking, has expressed his ongoing commitment to resolving the significant fire safety concerns that have emerged surrounding the practices of Tri Fire Ltd, a fire safety assessment company. These concerns have deeply affected leaseholders and homeowners, who are now unable to sell or move due to disputed fire safety certifications.
The Issue at Hand
Tri Fire Ltd, led by fire assessor Adam Kiziak, has been sanctioned by the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) since August 2024 for multiple breaches of professional standards. As a result, the validity of EWS1 forms signed by Kiziak and his company has come into question. EWS1 forms are critical documents required by banks and mortgage lenders to confirm the fire safety of high-rise buildings. Without these forms, residents are finding it impossible to secure mortgage approvals, leaving them in an untenable situation.
This situation has caused significant disruption in the housing market, with major banks, including NatWest and Nationwide, rejecting mortgage applications for properties that hold EWS1 certificates signed by Tri Fire Ltd. This has left many leaseholders unable to sell their properties or move, further compounding their difficulties.
A Call for Action
Recognising the urgent nature of the issue, Will and his Liberal Democrat colleagues have raised the matter with the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities, and Local Government. In a letter, they have outlined the following key concerns:
- Market Disruption: How the Government plans to address the widespread disruption caused by disputed EWS1 forms and ensure that leaseholders are able to move forward with the sale of their properties.
- Oversight and Governance: The need for stronger oversight mechanisms to regulate and guarantee the credibility of building safety certifications, ensuring that they are both accurate and reliable.
Will is calling for swift action to ensure that no one is left in limbo due to faulty fire safety documentation. He is urging the Government to take decisive steps to prevent further market disruption and ensure that the safety of residents is always prioritised.
A Request for Evidence
In an effort to fully understand the extent of the issue within his constituency and across the country, Will is requesting that constituents who have EWS1 forms signed by Adam Kiziak or any individual connected to Tri Fire Ltd get in touch. He is building a comprehensive databank to capture the full scope of the problem, which will help inform his continued work on this critical issue.
If you are affected by this issue and have any relevant documentation, please email a digital copy of the EWS1 forms to Will's office. This will contribute to the ongoing effort to secure solutions for all those impacted by the fire safety concerns tied to Tri Fire Ltd.
Moving Forward
Will Forster continues to work tirelessly to support his constituents and push for meaningful reforms in the building safety sector. He remains committed to holding those responsible for poor practices to account, and ensuring that such incidents are never repeated. If you have concerns or need support, please do not hesitate to get in touch with his office.