Wales Interim Measures Alarm Grant (WIMAG): frequently asked questions

The Wales Interim Measures Alarm Grant (WIMAG) provides grant funding towards the installation of common fire alarm systems in eligible residential buildings where interim fire safety measures are required pending the completion of remediation works. The grant aims to improve resident safety and reduce reliance on costly waking watch arrangements. 

The grant has been introduced to:

• improve fire safety for residents
• support the replacement of waking watch measures where appropriate
• reduce the financial burden associated with interim fire safety measures
• facilitate safer occupation of buildings while remediation works are progressed

Applications may be submitted by:

• responsible entities
• registered social landlords (RSLs)
• local authorities
• managing agents authorised to act on behalf of a building owner or responsible entity
• other authorised representatives acting on behalf of a Responsible Entity

Applicants may be required to provide evidence that they are authorised to apply on behalf of the Responsible Entity. 

The Responsible Person has responsibility for managing fire safety within the building. 

The Responsible Entity has overall responsibility for the building and for progressing any necessary remediation or mitigation works. In some cases, these may be the same organisation.

No. Individual leaseholders, tenants and residents cannot apply directly. Applications must be submitted by the organisation or individual responsible for the building's fire safety management. 

For a building to be considered eligible for grant funding, it must: 

• be located in Wales
• be 11 meters or above in height
• be multi occupied, and
• contain residential accommodation

The building must also:

• have a current Fire Risk Assessment (FRA), Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls (FRAEW), or equivalent fire safety assessment demonstrating the need for interim fire safety measures, and/or;
• have received notices from a local regulator, such as local authority or a fire and rescue service, which could include enforcement or prohibition notices

We may ask for additional information to confirm eligibility.

No. Submission of an application does not guarantee that grant funding will be awarded. Applications will be assessed against the grant's eligibility criteria.  

Applicants will be asked to provide:

• details of the building
• up to date / current fire safety assessment documentation
• information on current interim safety measures (if applicable)
• three quotations for the proposed alarm installation
• details of planned alarm installations works
• evidence of authority to act on behalf of the Responsible Entity, where applicable

Eligible costs may include:

• fire alarm equipment and associated components
• detection devices and control panels
• installation and commissioning costs
• necessary wiring and associated works
• reasonable upfront capital costs relating to the alarm installation

The grant will not normally cover:

• waking watch costs
• project management fees
• administrative costs
• maintenance and servicing costs
• removal or conversion of alarm systems
• ongoing staffing costs associated with fire safety management

Yes. Retrospective applications for interim measure alarm installations commenced or completed on or after 1 September 2021 and on or before 30 September 2026 will be considered where all eligibility requirements are met.

Retrospective applications for interim measure alarm installations undertaken on or after 1 October 2026 will be considered in exceptional circumstances and on a case-by-case basis where installation was required as a result of an emergency enforcement notice or prohibition notice.

No. The grant is intended to support interim measures only.

Applicants remain responsible for progressing the necessary grant funding for remediation works identified through fire safety assessments. 

Information on grant funding for remediation works can be found on the Welsh Building Safety Fund website. 

The common fire alarm system should be designed to meet the recommendations of BS 5839-1 for a Category L5 system or an alternative specification advised by a professional fire risk assessor, to satisfy the specific fire safety objectives for the building based on the risks that are present. 

Any fire detection and fire alarm system should be designed, installed, and commissioned by an appropriately qualified, third-party accredited competent person or persons. This alarm system should be designed to meet the standards referred to in the Simultaneous Evacuation Guidance 

In most cases, the installation of a suitable common fire alarm system may allow waking watch measures to be removed or reduced. 

However, this decision should be based on professional fire safety advice and the specific circumstances of the building.

The Responsible Person remains fully responsible for the safety of the building and its occupants and for compliance with all relevant legal and regulatory requirements. Grant funding provided through WIMAG does not transfer any responsibility or liability for fire safety, building safety, or regulatory compliance to the Welsh Government.

Applications will be reviewed to assess:

• Building eligibility.
• The need for an interim alarm system.
• Whether the proposed costs are reasonable.
• Whether the proposed installation represents value for money

Successful applicants will be expected to install the alarm system as quickly as reasonably practicable following approval to maximise fire safety benefits and reduce reliance on interim measures. 

Yes. Successful applicants may be required to provide updates, evidence of installation and confirmation that any related fire safety actions continue to be progressed. 

Grant funding is subject to terms and conditions. Where applicants fail to comply with those requirements, Welsh Government may seek to recover some or all of the grant funding awarded. 

Further information on eligibility, required documentation and application timescales is available within the WIMAG Guidance and WIMAG Applicant Guidance.

Applicants should seek professional fire safety advice where necessary before making an application.

Yes. Applicants are expected to obtain a minimum of three quotations, where possible, to demonstrate value for money. Where fewer than three quotations are obtained, applicants will be required to explain why this was not possible.

Yes, Registered Social Landlords (RSL) are eligible to apply for grant funding.

Where a building is covered by the Developer Remediation Contract, applicants should engage with the relevant developer in the first instance to discuss funding any interim measures alarm requirements. 

Therefore, applicants should demonstrate that funding for the proposed measures has been discussed with, and where appropriate sought from, the developer before applying for the grant. Evidence of engagement with the developer may be requested as part of the application assessment process

Applicants should notify the Welsh Government immediately, as this may affect eligibility for grant funding.

VAT may be eligible for grant funding if you cannot claim it back. If you are able to recover the VAT, it cannot be grant funded.

Grant funding is normally paid in arrears following completion of the interim alarm installation and approval of the required supporting evidence. Alternative payment arrangements will only be considered in exceptional circumstances where financial hardship can be evidenced. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Welsh Government at the earliest opportunity to discuss their circumstances.

The application form, guidance and supporting information are available on our webpage: Wales Interim Measures Alarm Grant (WIMAG) | GOV.WALES