We've taken on a small two-story office, there is a lift (installed 2001) with no communications fitted. I suspect installed to meet DDA. We do not need the lift but if we retain it do we have to retrofit a two-way communication device in line with the Lift Directive? My take is: 

2015 Lift Directive, lifts installed after 1997 are legally required to include a lift communication system. If you could foresee someone being trapped in the lift when there is no one else in the building to help them the device should be connected to the outside world. (I don't know why it did have one when installed?)

The European Standard EN81-80 was introduced in 2003 was created For lifts installed  prior to 1997. It includes the provision of a lift communication system where reasonably practical, but this is a recommendation not a law. If you have a pre-1997 lift you should consider whether you need a communication device, this is a bit of a risk assessment job, could be a required factor within your PEEPs.

If you need to retro-fit these requirements / recommendations will a functioning and regularly checked emergency mobile phone suffice? If not I may just recommend decommisioning it, it'd save money in the long run anyway. 

Edited by user 14 January 2021 09:28:20(UTC)  | Reason: spelling error

Thanks DP, makes sense, as you say decommisioning is a bit extreme.