Disability Rights UK, alongside Clad Dag (a leaseholder Disability Action Group) and Grenfell United, have launched a petition calling on the Government to implement the Grenfell inquiry recommendation on Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs).
Following the announcement by the Government to opt against mandating for PEEPs – a key recommendation from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry – the groups have launched a petition to push for the enactment of a legal obligation on building owners and managers to do so.
Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans, or PEEPs, are specific plans that have been put in place by a building manager or owner to support the evacuation of disabled residents in the event of an incident such as a fire, many of whom wouldn’t be able to self-evacuate due to reasons such as mobility or cognition.
The Government has stated that the PEEPs consultation has informed, and will continue to inform, policy decisions in this area, but has “revealed issues which we consider need further exploration”, and has consequently launched a new consultation on alternative proposals
Many have been said to be unhappy at the response, being viewed as a ‘U-turn’ – the Government had previously stated it would implement the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 1 recommendations in full. The recommendation had been to place a legal obligation on building owners to outline Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans for residents in the event of a fire.
41% of those who died at the Grenfell Tower fire in June 2017 were disabled, according to evidence from the Inquiry.
Grenfell United, which represents people affected by the tragedy, described the response as “a disgrace” for continuing to put disabled people at risk.
The petition would require 10,000 signatures for the Government to respond, and 100,000 for it to be considered in parliament.
14th June 2022 sees the fifth anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire. A silent walk is taking place on the day as the community continues to heal and fight for justice. For those wanting to join, the walk begins at Notting Hill Methodist Church at 18:00 and commences at 18:30. Organisers are asking participants to wear something green to show unity. You can find out more by following #grenfellsilentwalk or @grenfellunited on Twitter.
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