The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has today responded to the government’s new £30m Waking Watch Relief Fund to help pay for the installation of fire alarms in high-rise buildings with dangerous cladding.
RIBA Fire Safety Expert Panel Chair, Jane Duncan, said:
“This is a small step in the right direction. The RIBA has long been calling on the government to extend the mandate of fire alarms, and this funding will provide some reassurance.
However, it still doesn't go far enough – only applying to those residential buildings above 18m that have been identified at risk – leaving many people in unsafe homes.
We need a much more thorough and detailed approach, alongside a Building Safety Bill that comprehensively and urgently overhauls and clarifies our substandard building safety regulations.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- Press contact: Abigail.Chiswell-White@riba.org or +44 (0) 20 7307 3811.
- The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is a global professional membership body that serves its members and society in order to deliver better buildings and places, stronger communities and a sustainable environment. Follow @RIBA on Twitter for regular updates.
