On 11th April 2025, the government announced the extension of the Waking Watch Replacement Fund 2023, now running until March 2026, with an additional £21.11 million in funding made available. This support is intended to assist with the installation of common alarm systems in all residential buildings in England that currently have a waking watch in place—regardless of who is bearing the cost.

The fund officially reopened for new applications on 2 September 2024.

This financial backing follows a series of earlier schemes: the £35 million Waking Watch Relief Fund (WWRF), which focused on high-rise residential buildings (above 17.7 metres) with waking watches due to unsafe cladding, and the £27 million Waking Watch Replacement Fund 2022, which expanded eligibility to include residential buildings of any height affected by any fire safety defect.

With a total value now standing at £41.71 million, the extended 2023 fund supports a wider range of buildings. It aligns with National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) guidance for buildings that transition from a ‘Stay Put’ to a ‘Simultaneous Evacuation’ strategy, providing an effective alternative to costly interim measures.

Who Will Benefit?

The fund is intended to ease financial pressures on leaseholders, many of whom have faced high and ongoing costs for interim safety arrangements. By supporting the installation of common alarm systems, the fund also aims to deliver a more effective and sustainable fire safety solution for residents.

Which Buildings Are Eligible?

To qualify for funding, buildings must meet the following criteria:

• Located in England
• Residential use
• A waking watch is currently in place

The funding covers the upfront capital costs of installing a fire alarm system. Alarm systems should generally follow the guidance in BS 5839-1 for a Category L5 system, as referenced in the NFCC’s revised guidance on simultaneous evacuation.

Retrospective Costs

The fund will also support the costs of alarm systems where installation work began on or after 25th May 2023.

Application Process

Applicants should use the official Waking Watch Replacement Fund 2023 Revised Full Fund Application Guidance and application form. Further details can be found on the government guidance page.

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