Plans for fire safety improvements unveiled by Home Secretary

Reforms to fire safety have been announced today, as the government’s Fire Reform White Paper has been released, detailing how emergency services will be strengthened.

The package is set to bring in new regulations which build upon the recommendations made during the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and findings from independent inspection reports.

Plans announced today include the commencement of the Fire Safety Act 2021, which ensures proper fire safety risk assessments are conducted on all blocks of flats, and the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 which aims to make residents feel safer in their homes.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said: ‘The government’s priority is keeping the public safe and the reforms we’ve set out today will strengthen and support our hard-working fire and rescue services.  

‘The White Paper will be transformative in how firefighters are trained and will enable fire and rescue services to build on their strengths and leadership.

‘The Grenfell tragedy must never happen again and we are continuing to drive forward progress on putting the Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommendations into law.’

The White Paper also announced plans to improve fire and rescue services through workforce practices and a potential College of Fire and Rescue.

The government is aiming to improve accountability, with proposals for the transferring of fire governance to a single elected individual who would oversee delivery by operationally independent Chief Fire Officers.

Additionally, the White Paper detailed strategies to better public engagement, as a 10-week consultation is about to take place with the public and stakeholders able to state their views before the reform programme is finalised.

Many Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommendations will be officially brought in, including providing the relevant information to fire services so they can plan a response to a fire in a high-rise building.

A consultation on alternative package proposals to support fire safety of residents who lack the ability to self-evacuate has also been launched, following the Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans consultation.

A new proposal, would see designated ‘Responsible Persons’ of the highest buildings to assess the needs of vulnerable residents and consider what could be done to mitigate fire safety risks.

Fire and Rescue Services would be notified with up-to-date information on where these residents lived within the building to help in forming operational strategies and prioritising resources to assist in evacuation.

Photo by Jake Hills