As part of our commitment to keeping you safe, we’re working to implement new fire safety regulations being introduced by government.
The new fire regulations, called the Fire Safety (Residential Evacuation Plans) (England) Regulations 2025, will come into effect on 6 April 2026 and are designed to improve the fire safety of disabled and vulnerable people in taller buildings.
These new regulations will apply to you if your block is:
- Over 11 metres tall and has a simultaneous evacuation strategy (this is where if the fire alarm sounds in your flat or communal area, you must evacuate your block to a place of total safety away from the building)
- Over 18 metres tall, or
- At least seven storeys high
What this means for you
Emergency evacuation statement
If you would need help to leave the building during a fire, we will create an emergency evacuation statement with you. This plan sets out the support you might need and what you must do in the event of an emergency. Your consent is required before we can do this.
Person-centred fire risk assessment (PCFRA)
Before your emergency evacuation statement can be written, we will offer you a short PCFRA assessment to understand your individual needs and any risks you might face. This also requires your consent.
Sharing information
With your agreement, details of your evacuation plan will be shared with the local fire service. This helps them know where to find and assist residents who may need help in the event of an emergency. The information may also be stored in a premises information box located at or near your building’s entrance if one is installed.
Building-wide evacuation plan
Every building will also have a general evacuation plan explaining what all residents should do in the event of a fire. This will also be shared with the fire service and stored in the information box if one is installed.
Annual review
Your plan will be reviewed at least once a year to make sure it remains accurate and up to date.
What you need to do from April 2026 if your building is in scope of the regulations:
- Contact your local officer if you think you or someone in your household may need an emergency evacuation statement and provide consent for this to be created.
- Give your consent and take part in the PCFRA assessment prior to the undertaking of the emergency evacuation statement.
- Share information about your mobility, health or other needs so we can create an accurate plan.
- Review and understand your emergency evacuation statement when it's ready.
- Let us know if your situation changes so we can update your plan.
If the building you live in fits any of the criteria, you will soon (or may have already) receive a letter from us with regards to the regulations.
