Government Support for High-Rise Residents

Do you live in a high-rise block where you and your fellow residents are paying for a waking watch? If so, your freeholder or property manager can now apply for finance to install a fire alarm system instead.

The Purpose of the Waking Watch Relief Fund

The Government’s Waking Watch Relief Fund, announced before Christmas, officially opened on 31 January. Its goal is to relieve leaseholders and tenants of the astronomical costs of waking watches in buildings with fire safety issues. These costs have been running into thousands of pounds per month, so this financial support is much needed.

Long-Term Fire Safety Benefits

This fund has been a long time coming. Installing fire alarms will not only eliminate an ongoing financial burden for residents but should also improve long-term fire safety in affected buildings.

Who is Eligible for the Fund?

The Government has published the criteria for the fund, outlining which buildings qualify and what information is needed for applications. Funding is being prioritised for areas with the most unsafe high-rise buildings, including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, Bristol, Newcastle, and Sheffield. These cities will share £22 million, while the remaining £8 million will be distributed across the rest of the country.

Is £30 Million Enough?

Will the £30 million be sufficient? We hope so. But if not, the Government must step in and provide additional funding. The cost of ensuring fire safety in high-rise buildings is immense, and leaseholders should not be left to shoulder the burden alone.

A Bigger Funding Commitment is Needed

As we mentioned in our blog yesterday, the Housing Minister is expected to announce further funding for cladding remediation. While past allocations have been insufficient, there is now hope for a more realistic sum. Even in the midst of a pandemic, securing the necessary funds is essential to ensure both fire safety and peace of mind for residents.