The town hall wants the government to pay for fire safety measures after a committee called for sprinklers to be fitted in all high-rises – something that could cost up to £97million.

Since the Grenfell tragedy in June the council has conducted a wide-ranging review into fire safety on its housing stock, replacing cladding at Braithwaite House and carrying out urgent repairs elsewhere.

Now the housing scrutiny committee has called for sprinklers to be retrofitted, but chiefs say it could cost from £43m to £97m. And two national reviews are also expected to make fire safety recommendations.

Housing chief Cllr Diarmaid Ward, and committee chair Cllr Mick O’Sullivan have written to secretary of state Sajid Javid asking for the government to cough up. The letter reads: “We believe the government must make new funding available to councils in order for them to meet the cost of any necessary works.”