All privately-let homes must have electrical installations checked every five years under new rules announced by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Housing Secretary James Brokenshire says there will also be a comprehensive review of guidelines covering fire safety, beginning this autumn.

“There’s nothing more important than ensuring people are safe in their own homes. That is why I am announcing a package of measures focused on improving building safety, having listened carefully to the concerns which have been raised” says Brokenshire, who initiatives follow the review led by Dame Judith Hackitt, after the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

“Dame Judith’s report sets out the right framework to improve safety, but I will not hesitate to go further than the recommendations where I deem it necessary. That is why I am going further than my original commitment to simply clarify the guidelines, by commencing an end-to-end technical review of the fire safety aspects of building regulations in the autumn” continues Brokenshire.

Electrical Safety First, a safety charity, says over 18,000 house fires in England each year are caused by electricity, and claims private rental sector properties are most at risk.