New fire‑safety laws mean some residents may now need a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan. If you think you may need help evacuating, contact us by 23 January 2026 to request a PEEP.
We want to make tenants aware of important changes in national fire‑safety legislation that will soon apply to residential buildings. These changes introduce new responsibilities for building owners and new support options for residents who may need help evacuating during an emergency.
What are PEEPs?
Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) are individual fire‑evacuation plans designed for residents who may find it difficult to leave a building quickly and safely without assistance. This may include residents with:
- Reduced mobility (e.g. wheelchair users or mobility impairments)
- Sensory impairments (such as visual or hearing difficulties)
- Cognitive or other health conditions that may affect the ability to self‑evacuate
PEEPs ensure that, in the event of a fire or other emergency, every resident - including those who need additional support to evacuate safely and effectively.
What has changed?
On 4 July 2025, the Government introduced new legislation: The Fire Safety (Residential Evacuation Plans) (England) Regulations 2025.
These regulations become legally enforceable from 6 April 2026.
Under the new rules, the building’s “Responsible Person” (usually the building owner or manager) must:
- Identify residents who may require evacuation assistance
- Complete a person‑centred fire risk assessment
- Create and agree a PEEP with the resident
- Keep written records of the PEEP
- With the resident’s consent, share relevant information with the local Fire and Rescue Service to support emergency response
These changes follow recommendations made by the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and are designed to improve safety for vulnerable or disabled residents.
What this means for you
If you believe you may have difficulty evacuating your building without assistance. For example due to a mobility, sensory, health or temporary condition which means you can request a PEEP.
Taking part is entirely voluntary, and you are under no obligation to request a plan if you feel you can evacuate safely. If you do choose to take part, we will also ask whether you consent to sharing key information with the Fire and Rescue Service.
What to do next
Please contact us by 23 January 2026 if you:
- Would like to request a PEEP
- Think you may benefit from one now or in the future (including temporarily)
- Would like more information about what a PEEP involves
Email building.safety@gravesham.gov.uk or phone on 01474 337870.
We will then arrange a private, confidential meeting to discuss your needs and, if required, prepare a written evacuation plan.
Resident safety remains our top priority. The introduction of PEEPs represents a significant step forward in ensuring everyone can evacuate safely in an emergency.
If you have any questions or would like to speak to a member of the team, please get in touch.