Lib Dems call for review of construction company use following damning investigation into Barking balcony collapses

The Southwark Liberal Democrats have reiterated their call to urgently review the use of Bouygues, a housing construction firm, following damning investigations by the BBC into balcony collapses in Barking in 2023, which were constructed by Bouygues.  

A BBC investigation this week has found that the balconies were so dangerous so as to pose a “risk to life”, and were an “accident waiting to happen”. Bouygues had previously suggested that a subcontractor was to blame, but the BBC has now reported that even if specifications had been met, the balcony design was still “fatally flawed”. 

In the same week Southwark Council have announced a new multi million pound contract with Bouygues for a development on the former Bermondsey community centre. 

When the Barking balcony collapses first occurred in late 2023, the Liberal Democrats called for an urgent review of properties the firm was either currently or previously involved with. This includes 800 flats on the Tustin Estate and Flaxyard development.  

Commenting, Group Leader Cllr Victor Chamberlain said:  

“The culture of Southwark Council just going for the lowest bidder needs to end. It’s not only poor value for money in the long run, but poses serious safety risks to residents. The council should urgently consider whether having Bouygues as a construction partner involved in so many housing projects here is appropriate given the track record of safety failures reported by the BBC. 

We’ve seen Southwark fail to hold contractors accountable with the major works scandals at Devon Mansions and Canada Estate – and we are still waiting for independent reports 2 years later. 

It could not be clearer that Labour just cannot be trusted on housing issues. Liberal Democrats will stand up for council tenants and leaseholders, putting their safety and value for money first.”