New fire safety rules to protect residents needing extra support

The Fire Safety (Residential Evacuation Plans) (England) Regulations 2025 introduce a new process called Residential Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (RPEEPs). These apply to certain multi-occupied residential buildings and place new legal duties on responsible persons, usually building owners, landlords or managing agents.

Under the regulations, responsible persons must use reasonable endeavours to identify residents who may have difficulty evacuating without assistance because of a physical or cognitive impairment. They must offer a person-centred fire risk assessment and, where the resident wishes, agree an emergency evacuation statement. A building-wide emergency evacuation plan must also be developed and kept under review.

With the resident’s consent, a small amount of essential information will be shared with GFRS, including the resident’s flat number, floor number and a basic indication of the assistance they may need. No medical or personal information will be shared.

Taking part in the RPEEP process is voluntary, and residents can withdraw consent at any time. The regulations apply to residential buildings in England including those that are 18 metres or seven storeys or higher, or are more than 11 metres in height above ground level that have simultaneous evacuation strategies in place. A simultaneous evacuation strategy applies to certain buildings deemed to be at a higher risk of fire, where all residents should leave the building in the event of a fire, rather than staying put if they do not feel threatened by the fire.

Chief Fire Officer Mark Preece said: “These new regulations are an important step in making sure everyone can feel safe in their own home, particularly those who may need extra help in an emergency. They clearly set out what is expected of building owners and managers. While fire and rescue services are not responsible for carrying out assessments or creating evacuation plans, we are ready to receive any information that is shared and use it to help our crews respond as effectively as possible if a fire does occur.”

Cllr Paul Hodgkinson, cabinet member for the fire and rescue service at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “These changes put people and choice at the centre of fire safety. They give residents more confidence that their needs are understood, while making responsibilities clear for those who manage buildings. Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service is well placed to support the introduction of these regulations and continue its work to keep communities across the county safe.”

For further information, please visit: Residential PEEPs: Factsheet - GOV.UK and Business fire safety