Waking Watch Replacement Fund Extended to 2026

The Government has announced a significant extension to the Waking Watch Replacement Fund 2023, now running through to March 2026, with up to £21.11 million in additional funding available. This initiative supports the installation of common fire alarm systems, replacing Waking Watch measures in all residential buildings across England, regardless of who currently bears those costs.

This announcement builds on previous Government funding, including the £35 million Waking Watch Relief Fund which focused on high-rise residential buildings, (above 17.7 metres tall) with a waking watch in place at the leaseholders expense and the £27 million Waking Watch Replacement Fund 2022, which expanded eligibility to residential buildings of any height, with a waking watch in place due to any fire safety defect.

The objective of the Waking Watch Replacement Fund, now totalling £41.71 million, is to reduce reliance on short-term Waking Watch services by supporting a transition to safer, more sustainable fire safety strategies. Aligned with the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) guidance for buildings transitioning from a ‘Stay Put’ to a simultaneous evacuation strategy, the fund also aims to ease the financial pressure on leaseholders by covering the capital costs of installing long-term fire alarm systems.

What This Means for Fire Alarm Installers

This extension represents a valuable opportunity for fire alarm installers to contribute to safer residential environments that meet both Government expectations and industry best practice.

NSI certified and BAFE-registered fire alarm installers are well positioned to support responsible persons in upgrading fire safety systems, while strengthening customer confidence through independent, third-party certification.

Eligibility Criteria

• Buildings must be residential, located in England, and have an operational Waking Watch in place.
• Alarm installation must have commenced on or after 25 May 2023.

Scope of Funding

• The fund will cover upfront capital costs for the installation of a common fire alarm system.
• Systems should be designed in accordance with BS 5839-1 for a Category L5 system, as recommended by the NFCC’s Simultaneous Evacuation Guidance.
• To alleviate financial pressure on leaseholders by funding essential life safety improvements.

The fund is being administered centrally by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to all eligible buildings. Full guidance and application details are available on the Government’s official Waking Watch Replacement Fund 2023 page.