PM makes statement on responsibility for fire following Grenfell report

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has issued a statement to provide an update on the department responsible for fire.

Following one of the recommendations in the Grenfell Phase 2 Inquiry report, he has confirmed that responsibility for fire will move from the Home Office to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government from 1 April 2025.

"This change will bring responsibility for building safety and fire under a single Secretary of State, providing for a more coherent approach to keeping people safe from fire in their homes," he said in a statement issued yesterday (13 February).

"The Home Office will retain management of the Airwave Service Contract on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and will remain responsible for the Emergency Services Mobile Communications Programme and His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS)."

He added that the Government will respond to the full report in due course.