Building owners across England have been given an extended opportunity to improve fire safety as the Government confirms the Waking Watch Replacement Fund will now run until March 2026. The extension allows landlords, housing providers, and property managers more time to secure funding for permanent fire alarm upgrades—reducing reliance on costly waking watch patrols.
What is a Waking Watch?
A waking watch is a temporary measure designed to protect residents in buildings with serious fire risks, including unsafe cladding, defective compartmentation, or the absence of a comprehensive alarm system. Under this system, trained fire wardens patrol the building continuously, identify early signs of fire or smoke, raise alarms, and manage full evacuations.
Typical responsibilities include:
- 24/7 patrols across all floors and external areas
- Emergency alerting and communication with residents
- Evacuation management during simultaneous evacuation
- Direct liaison with fire services
- Routine hazard inspections, including ensuring fire doors remain closed
While essential in high-risk scenarios, waking watches are expensive and intended only as an interim measure until permanent safety systems are installed.
Why Replace Waking Watch Patrols with a Permanent Alarm System?
The Government is encouraging building managers to transition from waking watch arrangements to fully compliant fire alarm systems. Installing a BS 5839-1 Category L5 fire alarm provides:
- Significant long-term cost savings compared to 24/7 patrol staffing
- Greater reliability and improved early detection
- Full compliance with UK fire safety legislation
- Improved safety for residents, staff, and visitors
- The ability to safely reinstate a “Stay Put” policy
Who Can Apply for Funding?
Eligible applicants include:
- Residential buildings in England currently operating a waking watch
- Properties installing an alarm system that began on or after 25 May 2023
- Systems meeting BS 5839-1 Category L5 standards
Funding applications are open until March 2026, but fire safety experts warn against waiting until the final deadline due to expected high demand and the risks of operating without upgraded protection.
Industry Experts Encourage Early Applications
Local fire safety specialists are encouraging building owners to make full use of the extended funding window. Midland Fire Security Services advises that the extension offers a “critical opportunity for landlords and property managers to transition from temporary measures to long-term, compliant fire safety solutions.” The company provides end-to-end support throughout the upgrade process, including system design, installation, maintenance, and audit preparation.
For organisations responsible for larger estates or multiple external sites, facilities management and security provider Exterius also emphasises the value of acting promptly, noting that early applications are particularly beneficial for businesses juggling several fire safety obligations across different locations.
Support for Navigating the Funding Process
Applying for Government safety funding can be complex, especially for organisations managing tenant communications, fire risk assessments, and compliance documentation. Midland Fire & Security offers guidance not only on installation but also on funding application support, helping building owners navigate eligibility rules and ensure systems meet the required technical standards.
Ensuring Safe, Future-Ready Buildings
The extended fund is designed to improve safety, reduce the financial burden on residents, and accelerate the removal of temporary fire watch arrangements across England. Early applicants will be best positioned to secure funding and restore normal fire safety strategies in their buildings.
Click here to read more on the Gov website
SuperEditor