In response to the Building Safety Minister’s recent parliamentary statement on Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs), a coalition of organizations and specialists advocating for disabled individuals has voiced their concerns and perspectives. They acknowledge the government’s commitment to introducing PEEPs regulations for residential buildings and stress the importance of prompt action. These measures align with the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s Phase 1 recommendation, which called for mandatory PEEPs for residents who may struggle to evacuate independently in an emergency.
The coalition underscores the pressing need for implementation, noting that nearly five years have passed since the recommendation was made. During this time, they argue, existing legal obligations under equality, human rights, and fire safety legislation have been neglected, leaving disabled individuals at continued risk. They emphasize that without clear and enforceable regulations, disabled residents remain vulnerable in high-rise buildings. Advocates urge the government to act swiftly, ensuring that the safety and rights of disabled people are properly upheld and that necessary protections are not further delayed.
Read more here: Disability Rights UK
