New regulations requiring the preparation of personalised Emergency Evacuation Plans (rPEEPs) for relevant residents of high-rise blocks come into force on 6 April 2026. In December, MHCLG issued guidance setting out the duties of responsible persons under the regulations.  The Ministry has now asked for feedback from affected local authorities on the progress of preparations for the new duties.  The Local Government Association and National Housing Federation are holding a seminar on this issue on 5 February.  Full details follow. 

The new regulations aim to improve the fire safety and evacuation of residents of specified residential buildings in England who would have difficulties evacuating the residential building by themselves in the event of a fire. This may be due to a physical mobility issue, some other disability such as having a sight or hearing impairment, or a cognitive condition.

The RPEEPs regulations apply to:

• All buildings in England that are high-rise residential buildings containing two or more sets of domestic premises (‘multi-residential’) that are at least 18 metres above ground level or have at least seven storeys.
• All multi-residential buildings more than 11m that have simultaneous evacuation strategies in place.

The regulations include a set of measures which include:

• Identifying relevant residents whose ability to evacuate without assistance in the event of a fire is compromised because of their impairment or condition.
• A person-centred fire risk assessment to understand their particular risks and identify how their fire safety and evacuation can be enhanced.
• An emergency evacuation statement setting out what the resident should do in the event of a fire.
• Information for the Fire and Rescue Authority on the location and indicative level of assistance needed by residents who have engaged with the Residential PEEPs process.
• An ongoing cycle of review.

MHCLG has put together a guide explaining the Responsible Person’s legal responsibilities under the new regulations and best practice examples.

MHCLG is seeking feedback on how preparations are progressing.  They write:

“We welcome any anecdotal feedback that helps build a picture of preparations. As prompts, it would be useful to know:

• Have members started preparing or discussing how RPEEPs might apply to them?
• How have they prepared for implementation so far?
• Are there any plans to share best practice with each other?

Looking ahead, it would be useful if councils are aware that we may return in future to ask about case studies for the toolkit to support implementation.  It’s too early to ask for these now, but worth flagging so people have this in mind and are warmed up to the idea.”

Responses are requested by Friday 13th February, either to matthew.warburton@arch-housing.org.uk or direct to FireSafetyPolicy@communities.gov.uk. The MHCLG team are also happy to pick up 1:1 conversations if anyone would like to speak to them about RPEEPs.

The NHF and LGA are holding a webinar on the implementation of rPEEPs) on Thursday 5 February at 10.00 – 11.00 a.m.  Registration is via this link.

The webinar will cover:

• Overview of the rPEEPs policy and guidance
• Details of the new government grant for social landlords
• Case studies from members already adapting their rPEEPs in response to the legislation