Norwich City Council has been given the 'all-clear' after works to carry out missed safety checks in hundreds of council-owned properties were successfully completed.

The two-year programme addressed a "shocking" failure in oversight which meant electric safety checks at nearly 900 homes - some of which should have been carried out at least years prior - were not carried out. 

Norwich Evening News: The city council failed to carry out vital safety checksThe city council failed to carry out vital safety checks (Image: Newsquest)

This saw hundreds of people in council homes across Norwich potentially put in danger - with crucial inspections of fire, water and electrics not done.

Water supplies in up to 500 homes may have also missed vital checks for legionella, a bacteria which can cause lethal illnesses.

READ MORE: National food chain given green light to open in former city bank

The city council identified these cases in 2021 and kick-started an internal review of compliance, during which it reported itself to the Regulator of Social Housing - a government body which monitors standards.

Norwich Evening News: Councillor Beth Jones, deputy leader and cabinet member for housingCouncillor Beth Jones, deputy leader and cabinet member for housing (Image: Beth Jones)

Following a two-year programme, the regulator has now confirmed all the identified safety issues have been resolved. 

A regulatory notice placed on the city council has now been removed.

Labour councillor Beth Jones, who is the deputy leader and cabinet member for housing at City Hall, said: "The regulator’s action to lift the notice marks a significant milestone in our comprehensive work programme.

"It shows we have been able to evidence that we are completely up to date with all the necessary safety checks.

READ MORE: Neighbours fume as council approves 'monstrous' home plan

“Our dedicated team of experts have been working incredibly hard to address the issues. Throughout this whole programme, we have been honest, open and accountable – particularly with those who matter the most, our residents who live in the affected properties.

“While we are incredibly pleased with all we have done to get on top of our safety checks, we fully acknowledge this should never have happened in the first place.

“We now have a robust system of audits, checks and maintenance programmes in place to help safeguard against this ever happening again.”