Skip to main content

Want to take over the management of your building?

Our E-Learning platform has modules for leaseholders looking to manage their own building using a RTM company.

Find out more here

Government announces £30 million Waking Watch Relief Fund

December 2020

As part of its move to support thousands of residents in high-rise buildings, the government has announced a £30 million fund to help end excessive waking watch costs.

The new Waking Watch Relief Fund will pay for the installation of fire alarm systems in high-rise buildings with cladding. The installation of fire alarm systems will remove or reduce the need for costly interim fire safety measures such as round-the-clock fire safety wardens.

The National Fire Chiefs Council has advised  in recent guidance that building owners should move to install common fire alarm systems as quickly as possible to reduce or remove the dependence on waking watches.

The Waking Watch Relief Fund will open in January 2021 , but will also provide immediate, emergency support to Wicker Riverside Apartments in Sheffield to ensure that the 35 recently evacuated families should be able to return to their homes before Christmas.

In addition to the Walking Watch Relief Fund, the government has also announced a 6-month extension to the deadline for building owners to complete their applications to the £1 billion Building Safety Fund. The new deadline for submissions is 30th June 2021.

The Walking Watch Relief Fund opened for applications on the 31st  January 2021.

Further information:

LEASE is governed by a board, appointed as individuals by the Secretary of State for the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities.