The FPA's fire safety policy manifesto

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 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.

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

1. Better protect schools

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

Rationale: Protecting the most vulnerable in society and preserving the social value of educational and care facilities is paramount. The development of such buildings to less resilient constructions can mean a higher incidence of fire initiation and greater loss should the fire take hold. The loss of these buildings has a profound impact on communities beyond the economic cost of simply rebuilding.

2. Ensure the competency of fire risk assessors

Policy aim: 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

Rationale: Establishing minimum standards for fire safety assessments ensures that poor practices are identified and rectified efficiently, thereby providing accountability, enhancing the overall safety of buildings where the public lives and works, and improving the public’s confidence in the services provided.

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

Policy aim: 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

Rationale: These reforms are critical for transforming the culture and behaviours within the construction and property sectors at all stakeholder levels. We believe these policies are working and given time, sufficient resources and consistent implementation will prioritise public safety and long-term value creation across the industry.

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

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

Rationale: The compliance of construction products and systems to relevant, robust standards is essential. Clear standards, testing, and certification processes will protect against unsafe product use, enhancing overall building safety. Current confusion over CE vs UKCA marking and the lack of a regulatory system to deal with safety critical products continues to build-in risks for the future and slow economic development in the sector.

5. Support the safe transition to net zero

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

Rationale: Promoting sustainable building practices while addressing inherent fire risks is vital. Preventing fire-related building losses aligns with the UK’s sustainability goals.

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

Policy aim: 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

Rationale: The planning system reform is widely considered overdue and essential to economic growth. The strategic use of sprinklers and suppression systems based on data can enhance life safety and economic benefits. This approach ensures that fire protection measures are applied where most needed.

You can access the full FPA manifesto here.