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Housing: Emergency Services

Asked by Ben MaguireLiberal DemocratMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled Answered 22 April 2025UIN 39746

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking to help ensure that landlords cannot lawfully obstruct emergency vehicle access to residential properties.

Answered by Alex Norris

The Emergency Workers (Obstruction) Act 2006 makes clear that it is an offence to obstruct or hinder certain emergency workers from responding to present or imminent emergency circumstances. As a matter of public safety, property owners and managers should keep access routes clear, so that emergency vehicles can gain access if needed.

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