To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what steps she has taken to ensure that local authority planning departments work with local fire safety departments on the provision of disabled access rooms in multi-storey buildings. (142107)

In England and Wales, where building work is being carried out the building regulations provide for access for disabled people under Part M (Access to and use of buildings) and means of escape in case of fire under Part B (Fire safety). There are statutory provisions, and associated guidance, for consultation between building control bodies and fire and rescue authorities. Guidance has also been produced to generally advise on providing suitable means of escape for disabled persons in the event of a fire. This guidance has been endorsed by the Disability Rights Commission. Different provisions apply in Scotland.