New £62m Fire Alarm Fund Introduced for Buildings Awaiting Remediation

The UK Government has announced a new £62.7 million Interim Measures Alarm Fund (IMAF), aimed at improving fire safety in residential buildings awaiting remediation while reducing the financial burden on leaseholders.

The fund highlights the on-going effort to address building safety challenges following the Grenfell Tower tragedy, while also supporting the transition away from costly interim measures. As an approved installer for the fund, In this blog Ventro explore what the IMAF is, why It’s being introduced, eligibility details and importantly provide guidance on how to apply.  

A Shift Towards Safer, More Sustainable Interim Measures

The IMAF has been introduced to incentivise the installation of common fire alarm systems in buildings awaiting remediation works.

This represents a clear move away from reliance on waking watch arrangements, which, while effective as a short-term mitigation, have proven financially unsustainable for many. By funding alarm systems instead, the government is prioritising solutions that are both safer and more cost-effective.

The fund builds on previous schemes, including the Waking Watch Replacement Fund, and ensures continued support for residents while remediation programmes progress.

What Are Common Fire Alarm Systems?

Common fire alarm systems are centrally controlled detection and warning systems designed to alert all occupants within a building in the event of a fire. Unlike individual flat alarms, these systems are typically installed in communal areas such as corridors, stairwells and plant rooms, with the capability to provide building-wide notification where required.

In residential buildings, they are often configured to meet Category L5 or bespoke fire strategy requirements, providing targeted coverage based on specific risks identified within the building. This ensures that detection is focused where it is needed most, while still enabling effective evacuation procedures.

These systems are a key alternative to waking watch arrangements, offering a more reliable, consistent and cost-effective solution. Once installed, they provide continuous protection without the ongoing operational costs associated with manual patrols, making them particularly suitable as an interim measure while remediation works are carried out.

Supporting the Remediation Journey

The introduction of the IMAF sits within the wider Remediation Acceleration Plan, which focuses on speeding up the identification and remediation of unsafe buildings while supporting residents throughout the process.

Importantly, the fund is not a replacement for remediation itself. Instead, it provides a critical bridge, ensuring buildings remain safe and occupiable while permanent works are carried out.

The scheme is expected to run alongside wider remediation programmes through to 2035, reinforcing the government’s long-term commitment to building safety.

How the Fund Works

The IMAF is administered by Homes England and applies to eligible residential and student accommodation buildings in England.

Applications must be made by the responsible entity or building owner, with funding covering the installation of interim fire alarm systems designed to reduce reliance on manual fire wardens.

This structured approach ensures that funding is targeted where it is most needed, while maintaining oversight with wider remediation strategies.

Eligibility Criteria for the IMAF

To access funding through the Interim Measures Alarm Fund (IMAF), buildings and applicants must meet a defined set of criteria. While the process is designed to be accessible, eligibility is closely aligned to ensuring funding is directed towards buildings with a clear and evidenced fire safety need.

Building Requirements

To qualify, the building must be located in England and be used as residential or student accommodation. Importantly, the fund is specifically targeted at buildings that are currently reliant on interim fire safety measures, such as waking watch or simultaneous evacuation strategies supported by fire and rescue service intervention.

Additionally, there must be clear technical justification for installing an alarm system. This is typically demonstrated through documentation such as a Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) or Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls (FRAEW) identifying the need for interim measures.

It’s also worth noting that certain building types, such as hotels, are not eligible for funding under the scheme.

Applicant Requirements

Applications must be submitted by the Responsible Entity, Responsible Person, or an authorised representative acting on their behalf. Leaseholders and residents are not able to apply directly and must instead work through the building owner or managing agent.

Applicants must also be able to demonstrate authority to act on behalf of the building and provide clear details of ownership and management structures as part of the application process.

Funding Limitations and Conditions

The IMAF is only available where the building has not already received funding from previous schemes, such as earlier Waking Watch Replacement Funds, or where an application is not already in progress.

Crucially, the fund is intended to support interim safety measures only. The installation of a fire alarm system does not remove the requirement to progress permanent remediation works, and Responsible Persons remain accountable for overall fire safety throughout.

How to Apply for the IMAF

Applying to the Interim Measures Alarm Fund (IMAF) is a relatively straightforward process, but it requires clear evidence, the right documentation and early preparation to ensure a successful outcome.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility and Prepare Information

Before applying, Responsible Persons or Responsible Entities should ensure the building meets the eligibility criteria, including being a residential or student accommodation building in England. You’ll also need to gather key information such as building details, ownership structure and confirmation of authority to apply.

At this stage, it’s important to identify who will manage the funding and contractor payments, as this will form part of the application and funding agreement.

Step 2: Submit the Online Application

Applications are submitted via an online form hosted by Homes England and typically take around 30 minutes to complete. The form must be completed in one session, so having all required information ready beforehand is essential.

Only Responsible Entities, Responsible Persons, or authorised representatives can apply, meaning leaseholders must work through the building owner or managing agent.

Step 3: Provide Supporting Evidence

Following submission, applicants must provide evidence demonstrating the need for an interim alarm system. This typically includes documentation such as a Fire Risk Assessment (FRA), a Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls (FRAEW), or formal communication from a regulator or competent person.

You will also need to demonstrate that residents and leaseholders are being kept informed, in line with the Code of Remediation.

Step 4: Application Review and Approval

Homes England will review the application to confirm eligibility and ensure the correct entity is applying. Once approved, applicants are required to obtain a quote from an approved installer, which is then assessed before progressing to a formal Grant Funding Agreement.

This stage is critical, as costs must be justified and aligned with programme expectations.

Step 5: Install, Evidence and Claim Funding

Once the agreement is in place and works are completed, evidence must be submitted to confirm installation. Funding is then released to the organisation responsible for delivering the works.

It’s important to note that responsibility for fire safety remains with the Responsible Person throughout, and the installation of an alarm does not replace the need for ongoing remediation.

Ventro’s View

The introduction of the IMAF is a positive and necessary step, particularly in reducing the financial burden on leaseholders while maintaining safety standards.

However, it also reinforces a broader industry challenge, ensuring that interim measures do not become long-term solutions. The focus must remain on delivering remediation at pace, supported by clear strategies and effective project delivery.

With funding now available, there is a clear opportunity to replace costly interim measures with smarter, compliant solutions. Ventro works with clients across the UK to assess requirements, implement fire alarm systems and support the wider remediation journey. Speak to our experts to understand what this could look like for your buildings.