Waking Watch Replacement Fund 2023

This is a UK government funding program aimed at replacing waking watch measures with a common fire alarm system in residential buildings across England. Announced on 11 April 2025, the fund initially allocated £20.6 million and was extended to March 2026 with an additional £21.11 million, totaling £41.71 million in support. This fund builds on previous initiatives, including the Waking Watch Relief Fund and the Waking Watch Replacement Fund 2022, expanding eligibility to more buildings and aligning with the National Fire Chief’s Council (NFCC) guidance on fire safety strategies.

Objectives:

• Incentivize installation of fire alarm systems in residential buildings.
• Replace waking watch measures with a more sustainable interim fire safety system.
• Protect residents pending full remediation or long-term mitigation.

Target Beneficiaries:

• Leaseholders in residential buildings with waking watch measures.
• Buildings located in England with waking watch currently in place.
• Residential buildings of any height affected by fire safety defects requiring simultaneous evacuation.

Key Features:

• Covers upfront capital costs for installing a common fire alarm system, generally designed to BS 5839-1 Category L5 standards.
• Retrospective costs considered for alarm installations started on or after 25 May 2023.
• Requires three quotes from different alarm installation companies; applicants must justify their preferred supplier.
• Buildings must not have previously received funds from the Waking Watch Relief Fund or the 2022 Replacement Fund.
• Administered centrally by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).

Application Process:

• Applications open from 2 September 2024 to 31 March 2026.
• Applicants must submit a full application form and follow detailed guidance provided by the government.
• Eligibility requires confirmation of waking watch presence by a Competent Person or Fire and Rescue Service intervention.
• Alarm installation must be sufficient to remove the need for waking watch, except in exceptional high-risk cases approved by the Secretary of State.

This fund aims to deliver safer living environments by transitioning from costly and less effective waking watch measures to standardized fire alarm systems in residential buildings across England.