In a significant decision, the UK government has declined to implement the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s recommendation requiring personal evacuation plans (PEEPs) for disabled residents in high-rise buildings. The inquiry suggested these plans should be mandatory following the tragic fire at Grenfell Tower in 2017, which highlighted the vulnerability of people with disabilities during emergencies. However, the government argues that enforcing PEEPs across residential buildings would not be practical on a large scale.
Instead, the government is adopting a different approach to improve fire safety for disabled individuals. This includes enhancing communication with fire services to share relevant information about residents, particularly those with specific needs, so emergency responders can be better prepared during an evacuation. Although this approach aims to address the safety concerns raised by the Grenfell Inquiry, many advocates for disabled residents feel it falls short of ensuring sufficient protection.
The rejection of PEEPs for all high-rise buildings has sparked a debate about how best to safeguard vulnerable individuals during emergencies. Some argue that the government should implement the inquiry’s original recommendation more, as PEEPs could provide a tailored and effective way to ensure disabled residents are safely evacuated. Others, however, believe the new strategy may still help provide the necessary support, albeit in a less individualized way.
Read more here: Inside Housing
