On April 1st, the UK Government set out its latest direction on fire safety reform, building regulations and progress in response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.
Speaking before the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee, Fire Minister Alex Norris MP outlined a suite of measures that signal a continued commitment to addressing systemic failings across the built environment. Among the updates, there was confirmation that remediation of high-rise residential buildings with unsafe cladding remains a national priority, releasing a target set for 2029. Norris noted that the pace of remediation has improved, and the government expects many buildings to be completed in advance of that date.
New legislation on evacuation planning
The new legislation mandating Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) in high-rise residential buildings will be introduced by mid-2025, aiming to ensure that residents that may require additional support in the event of a fire have suitable evacuation plans in place.
This signals a likely shift in responsibilities and expectations, and the introduction of mandatory PEEPs will necessitate closer engagement with residents, housing providers and responsible persons for the fire risk assessor. Assessors will need to ensure plans are both practical and person-centred, and the IFE will continue to monitor developments and support members in understanding the implications as the legislative details emerge.
Transparency, governance and reform
The Fire Minister also announced that quarterly updates will now be published on gov.uk to track progress against the Grenfell Inquiry’s recommendations. An annual report to Parliament will also be provided, with a transparent, recommendation-by-recommendation breakdown.
The transfer of fire policy responsibility from the Home Office to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG)will allow for more integrated policymaking across the built environment.
Plans are also advancing for the creation of an independent college of fire and rescue, with the aim of supporting research, training and cultural reform. This echoes findings from recent reports that call for a professionalised, learning-driven fire and rescue sector. As the global professional body for fire safety, the IFE welcomes initiatives that foster competence, continuous development and improved standards across the profession.
Wider reforms on the horizon
Looking further ahead, the government is preparing to publish a prospectus in autumn 2025 on the establishment of a single national construction regulator. Legislation will follow, with the regulator expected to have a broad remit across the built environment. Dame Judith Hackitt will chair an independent panel to oversee building control reform.
The government also reaffirmed its commitment to giving a stronger voice to social housing tenants and announced increased funding for resilience roles, including a new Chief Resilience Officer model and support for local Building Safety Regulator activity.
Supporting the profession through change
The IFE will continue to offer guidance, CPD and advocacy on behalf of fire professionals across all disciplines. The implementation of the Grenfell Inquiry’s recommendations is a shared responsibility, and we welcome the government’s continued focus on transparency, engagement and capacity building.
For more information, members are encouraged to visit the official Grenfell Inquiry progress tracker and monitor the IFE’s channels for future updates on legislative reform and its implications.