Residential Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (Residential PEEPs)
From 6 April 2026, councils and housing providers must offer residents in high-rise blocks extra support to leave their homes safely in an emergency. This new legislation is called The Fire Safety (Residential Evacuation Plans) (England) Regulations 2025.
We are committed to:
- keeping you safe in your home
- treating you with respect and dignity
- making sure any plans are right for you
What is a Residential Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (Residential PEEP)
A Residential PEEP is a simple, personalised emergency evacuation plan created with you to understand any vulnerabilities and offer clear, specific information and support.
It explains:
- how you would leave your home safely in an emergency
- any support or adjustments you may need
- what arrangements may help keep you safe
Every plan is different and based on your individual needs.
Residential PEEPs are optional.
You can:
- choose to have one
- choose not to have one
- change your mind at any time
Who Residential PEEPs are for
A Residential PEEP may be helpful if you feel you might have difficulty leaving your home quickly or safely during an emergency. For example, if you have:
- a mobility condition or use walking aids or wheelchairs
- a visual or hearing impairment
- a health condition that affects movement or response
- a temporary injury
- any other reason that may make evacuation difficult
You do not need to provide proof. We will talk with you about your needs.
How it works
If you would like a Residential PEEP, or if we think you may benefit from one:
- We will contact you to explain the process.
- A housing officer will speak with you about your needs and add this information to a person-centred risk assessment.
- If we identify a vulnerability that requires additional support, a Residential PEEP will be created.
- Together, we will agree on a simple plan that works for you.
- Your plan will be recorded and reviewed regularly.
Sharing your information
As part of this process, we will ask you whether you want to share your information with the West Midlands Fire Service to help them assist during an evacuation in your block or home. We will share information with emergency services only with your consent, which can be revoked at any time.
This information will be shared electronically only and will only have information to assist the West Midlands Fire Service. It will not be shared with any other of the emergency services.
Requesting a Residential PEEP
If you think you might need support to evacuate safely, you can:
- email bcchousing@birmingham.gov.uk
- phone 0121 464 7297
What happens next
We are preparing to introduce Residential PEEPs across our housing services.
We will start contacting residents in high-rise sheltered buildings from April and will roll this out more widely to high-rise buildings across Birmingham.
If you have any questions
If you have any questions or would like this information in another format, you can contact us.
Page last updated: 2 April 2026
