Fire Protection Association (FPA) Press Release 16/07/2024:

FPA launches new fire safety policy manifesto

Calling on the new government to put fire life safety and property protection at the heart of its built environment strategy, the FPA has released six key policy statements.

For decades the Fire Protection Association has worked to reduce risks and improve fire safety in UK buildings, sharing fire safety guidance and information with government, industry, insurers, our members, and the wider public.

Our objective is to protect people, property, and the environment in the UK whilst enabling innovation and economic growth in the construction and property sectors without compromising fire safety. However, all too often the reforms that we would like to see brought in for the fire safety and built environment sector do not materialise.

With the election of this new government and the upcoming release of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Report, the FPA think the barriers to change have now been removed and call upon the government to act.

As Dr Gavin Dunn, Managing Director of the FPA, explains, “the FPA is calling for change to fire safety and property protection in buildings, and to that end we are proud to publish our manifesto of six policy areas we think the new government should consider. These are all things that are already within its power to implement, and which we think will make a material difference to not only the safety and wellbeing of people in UK properties, but will also make sense for the UK economy.”

To achieve the objectives described above we propose the following six key policies:

1. Better protect schools and care homes

Require the installation of sprinkler systems in all new and majorly refurbished schools and care homes

2. Ensure the competency of fire risk assessors

Ensure all fire risk assessors are appropriately qualified and certified under a suitable, UKAS-accredited scheme, as well as supported with their ongoing professional development to maintain competence

3. Continue to implement the Building Safety Act and support the Building Safety Regulator

Continue to support the implementation of the Building Safety Act 2022 and its supplementary legislation, including support for the key role of the Building Safety Regulator

4. Implement the Morrell/Day Report on construction product safety

Urgently implement initiatives which support the recommendations on key aspects of the Morrell/Day Report into construction product safety

5. Support the safe transition to net zero

Develop policies and guidance supporting the transition to net zero, focusing on new energy technologies and low carbon construction techniques that detrimentally impact fire safety and property resilience

6. Support planning system reforms with data-driven fire protection measures

Support planning system reforms through the use of data to target fire protection measures effectively, particularly in high-risk buildings and those distant from fire and rescue services

To help achieve these, the FPA stands ready to collaborate with all stakeholders to advance these pragmatic and achievable policies. These six initiatives do not require new legislation, as existing powers can drive transformative changes. By prioritising fire safety, we can protect lives, enhance the economic value of the built environment, and contribute to the overall wellbeing and prosperity of society.

Find out more You can access the full FPA manifesto here.