The Fire Committee of the Greater London Authority Council met on Tuesday 23 June 2026 to discuss fire safety in social housing. Key concerns raised included the accessibility of fire safety information and equipment for disabled residents, the pace of remedial works on buildings with fire safety defects, and the effectiveness of current regulations and enforcement. The Committee heard from residents, housing providers, the Regulator of Social Housing, and the London Fire Brigade.

Fire Safety in Social Housing

The meeting focused on the critical issue of fire safety within social housing across London. Witnesses highlighted significant concerns regarding the accessibility of fire safety measures for disabled residents, with particular emphasis on the lack of tailored fire alarms and information in accessible formats. The effectiveness of current regulations, such as the new Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs), was questioned, with calls for them to be more comprehensive and less reliant on residents to initiate the process.

Concerns were also raised about the pace of remedial works on buildings with fire safety defects, such as cladding and internal compartmentation issues. While acknowledging some progress, witnesses stressed that the speed of remediation is not meeting residents' expectations, leading to prolonged periods of living in unsafe conditions. The role of landlords and the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) in ensuring accountability and driving timely action was debated, with calls for greater urgency and a more proactive approach from housing providers.

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) outlined its risk-based approach to inspections and its efforts to improve firefighter safety through new PPE and training. However, resource limitations were highlighted as a significant challenge in addressing the scale of issues across London. The effectiveness of the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) and the need for clearer guidance and greater capacity were also discussed.

The Committee explored the implementation of new regulations concerning Residential Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs), noting that while a positive step, significant gaps remain, particularly concerning buildings below 11 metres and the definition of reasonable endeavours for responsible persons. The need for better communication, trust-building between landlords and residents, and more accessible ways for residents to share vital safety information were recurring themes.

The discussion also touched upon the broader challenges of historical housing stock, the complexities of managing multiple stakeholders, and the ongoing need for investment in resources, training, and technology to effectively tackle the evolving risks of fire in London's social housing sector.