Harrow Residents Without Fire Evacuation Plans Face Safety Fears
New legislation for disabled residents excludes those in buildings under 11 metres, leaving many in Harrow vulnerable.
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Disabled residents in Harrow are living with fears of being trapped in their homes during a fire, as new legislation offering tailored evacuation plans does not cover all residential buildings. The regulations, which came into force in April, mandate that landlords provide Residential Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (RPEEPs) for disabled residents in buildings over 18 metres or seven storeys. However, those living in properties under 11 metres tall are excluded from this provision.
Adam Gabsi, Co-Chair of Inclusion London, who resides in Harrow, shared his anxieties with the London Assembly Fire Committee in June. He described a lack of confidence in his ability to escape his sixth-floor flat in Trident Point, run by Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing (MTVH), during a fire. Mr Gabsi highlighted issues including broken lifts, which he stated are essential for safe evacuation, and previously found an evacuation chair locked away without access.
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Mr Gabsi told the committee, "Smoke does not discriminate based on height. If smoke was to rise to the seventh floor, it is not going to stop, and likewise, a fire does not discriminate based on where you are. If someone is disabled on the ground floor, the first floor, the second floor, they are still disabled. What are we waiting for, my building, me to burn?" He also noted that a fire-safe lift in his building was not operational.
Calls for Wider Engagement and Action
The London Assembly Fire Committee has written to the Mayor of London urging for increased dialogue between social housing landlords and their residents regarding fire safety. Anne Clarke, Chair of the committee, stated that "Nine years after the Grenfell Tower fire, we heard compelling evidence that many social housing residents continue to feel unsafe in their homes. No Londoner should live in fear of fire safety."
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Hina Bokhari, Deputy Chair of the committee, described the situation as "outrageous" and expressed deep concern for disabled residents living in high-rise blocks. She suggested that current conditions could lead to a repeat of the Grenfell Tower tragedy if immediate action is not taken.
A spokesperson for the Mayor's office indicated that the Mayor has been actively lobbying the government to expand the scope of RPEEP legislation to include all residential blocks and to secure central funding for their implementation. The Mayor's office also stated a commitment to working with local authorities and the London Fire Brigade to ensure safe evacuation routes for disabled Londoners.
Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing (MTVH) acknowledged the concerns raised by residents at Trident Point, stating that resident safety is their top priority. The housing association confirmed that Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans are in place for residents with identified needs and are being reviewed to meet new legal requirements. MTVH also noted that they are working with contractors to address intermittent lift reliability issues and resolve water damage from leaks.
What Happens Next
The Mayor's office plans to publish a Disability Action Plan next month, which will include commitments on housing safety. The London Assembly Fire Committee continues to advocate for greater engagement between landlords and residents. Residents in buildings under 11 metres remain outside the scope of the current RPEEP legislation, with campaigners pushing for its expansion.
Questions this report answers
+Who is entitled to a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan under the new rules?
Disabled residents living in residential buildings over 18 metres tall, or seven storeys, are entitled to request a Residential Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (RPEEP). Buildings between 11 and 18 metres with a 'simultaneous' evacuation strategy also qualify. Those in buildings under 11 metres are not covered by this legislation.
+What issues have residents in Harrow raised about fire safety?
Adam Gabsi, a resident in Harrow, has highlighted concerns about broken lifts and locked evacuation chairs in his building. He expressed a lack of confidence in his ability to escape during a fire due to these issues, alongside general concerns about the operational status of fire safety equipment.
+What is the Mayor of London doing about fire safety for disabled residents?
The Mayor's office is lobbying the government to broaden the scope of RPEEP legislation to include all residential blocks and to secure central funding. They are also committed to working with local authorities and the London Fire Brigade to ensure safe evacuation routes and appropriate support for disabled Londoners during emergencies.
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