William Eichler 02 September 2024

Evacuation plans for vulnerable Londoners ‘postcode lottery’

Evacuation plans for vulnerable Londoners ‘postcode lottery’   image
Image: Alex Danila / Shutterstock.com.

There has been an inconsistent rollout of personalised emergency evacuation plans (PEEPs) for vulnerable residents in London since the Grenfell Fire, new research has revealed.

Hounslow, Islington, Lewisham, Hackney and Tower Hamlets, had not issued any PEEPs, according to freedom of information requests to all London councils sent by the Guardian.

About 18 of the 29 local authorities that responded had provided PEEPs.

Lambeth had issued the most since 2017 (2,529) and Wandsworth the least (35, many of which are no longer in place).

Islington, Lewisham, Hackney and Tower Hamlets told the newspaper they recorded information on individuals with vulnerabilities and shared this with the emergency services and in an on-site information box.

The councils also said they offered people a person-centred fire risk assessment.

Islington and Tower Hamlets added they were awaiting further instruction and guidance on PEEPs.

The general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, Matt Wrack, told the Guardian: ‘The Conservatives failed to act, obstructing plans in the interests of landlords and big business. This lack of regulation has created a dangerous postcode lottery.

‘To prevent future tragedies, the Labour government must start moving forwards with the evacuation regulations and guidance needed to protect disabled people’s lives.’

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