The government has announced an extension to the Waking Watch Replacement Fund 2023 until 2026, with an additional £21.11 million in funding, taking the total investment to over £41 million.
On the surface, this sounds like a welcome step in the right direction – supporting more residential buildings in replacing expensive Waking Watch patrols with compliant fire alarm systems.
But the question remains: is this a lasting solution for residential fire safety?
This latest announcement builds on previous government initiatives aimed at relieving the financial strain on leaseholders and improving fire safety standards across the country.
The original £35 million Waking Watch Relief Fund was focused on high-rise residential buildings over 17.7 metres tall, where Waking Watch patrols were in place due to unsafe cladding. That was followed by the £27 million Waking Watch Replacement Fund in 2022, which broadened eligibility to include buildings of any height with a Waking Watch in place due to any fire safety defect.
Now, with eligibility extended further to include all residential buildings in England where a Waking Watch is active – regardless of who’s paying for it – the scope is clearly widening. But is this increased funding tackling the root of the problem?
Replacing costly Waking Watch patrols with BS 5839-1 Category L5 fire alarm systems is a practical and immediate step toward enhancing fire safety. It offers reassurance to residents and financial relief to building owners and leaseholders.
It’s important this investment is seen as part of a wider fire safety strategy. Alarm systems can significantly reduce short-term risks, but they work best when integrated into a long-term plan that addresses the underlying causes of fire safety concerns.
At Amthal Group Companies, we support every step toward safer residential buildings and remain committed to delivering essential, compliant life safety solutions tailored to each environment. The extension of the Waking Watch Replacement Fund offers an opportunity for building owners and managing agents to make meaningful progress in protecting residents.
But that’s only part of the picture.
Fire alarm systems are a crucial upgrade that should form part of a wider, connected safety strategy. Amthal Group Companies works with Responsible Persons across the built environment to ensure any investment isn’t just a box-ticking exercise, but a clear foundation for long-term protection.
From specification and system design to compliant installation and ongoing maintenance and monitoring, we help our clients make confident, compliant decisions that prioritise safety and total protection – both now and in the future.