Key Changes to UK Fire Safety Legislation

Posted on March 31, 2026

Significant updates to UK fire safety law come into force in April 2026, marking an important shift toward more proactive and person-centred fire risk management, particularly in residential buildings.

The most notable development is the introduction of the Fire Safety (Residential Evacuation Plans) (England) Regulations 2025, which take effect on 6 April 2026. These regulations place new legal duties on those responsible for certain residential buildings, especially high-rise properties.

Under the new rules, building owners and managers must identify residents who may struggle to evacuate during a fire, such as individuals with mobility or sensory impairments, and work with them to create Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs). These tailored plans set out clear, individual instructions to support safe evacuation in an emergency.

The regulations primarily apply to buildings over 18 metres (or seven storeys), as well as some buildings over 11 metres with specific evacuation strategies in place. Responsibility sits with the designated “Responsible Person,” who must ensure plans are created, maintained, and reviewed regularly.

These changes build on existing legislation, including the Fire Safety Order and post-Grenfell reforms, and reflect a broader move toward accountability, resident-focused safety, and enhanced risk assessment in higher-risk buildings.

What This Means for Construction Businesses

Construction firms, contractors, and developers play a crucial role in supporting compliance and improving fire safety outcomes. Key actions include:

Design with evacuation in mind: Incorporate inclusive design principles early, ensuring layouts, access routes, and fire protection systems support safe evacuation for all occupants, including those with additional needs.
Collaborate with duty holders: Work closely with clients, building managers, and fire risk assessors to ensure evacuation strategies are practical and fully integrated into the building design and handover process.
Prioritise compliant materials and systems: Ensure all fire safety products, such as fire doors, alarms, and compartmentation systems, meet current standards and are correctly installed and documented.
Improve documentation and handover information: Provide clear, comprehensive building information (the “golden thread”) to support Responsible Persons in developing and maintaining PEEPs and wider fire safety plans.
Upskill the workforce: Train site teams and project managers on evolving fire safety regulations and best practices, particularly around high-rise residential construction.
Support retrofit projects: Many existing buildings will require upgrades—construction businesses can assist with fire stopping improvements, alarm system upgrades, and accessibility modifications.
Engage residents where appropriate: On occupied projects, communicate clearly with residents about works that may affect fire safety and evacuation procedures.

April 2026 represents a major step forward in UK fire safety law, with a clear emphasis on protecting vulnerable residents. For construction businesses, it also presents an opportunity to lead on safer design, higher standards, and better collaboration across the built environment.

Courtley Health & Safety offers 1/2-day Fire Awareness/Marshal Training (free to Members) to help keep your employees updated on current legislation and best practice.