Another £500,000 to help households comply with law
Numerous Lanarkshire families have struggled to get the support they need to enable them to comply with new fire alarm legislation.
The law, which came into play last month, means every home in Scotland must now have interlinked fire alarms. And many will also need a carbon monoxide alarm.
However, households across Lanarkshire were dealt a blow leading up to the February deadline as local organisation Care and Repair – who were assisted with £500,000 from the Scottish Government to help the elderly, disabled and families of low income comply with the changes – announced the funding had run out.
Central Scotland MSP Monica Lennon says she’s been“inundated”with messages and calls from locals who were simply struggling to comply with the new laws on their fire detectors.
She expressed her disappointment that Care and Repair’s funding was exhausted and raised the matter in Scottish Parliament.
And since, a further £500,000 has been made available as the Labour politician urges Lanarkshire residents to get in touch if they need further advice or support.
Ms Lennon said:“i have been inundated with emails and calls from people across Lanarkshire who are struggling to comply with the new rules on interlinked fire, heat and carbon monoxide detectors.
“I was very disappointed the funding awarded to Care and Repair Lanarkshire to assist had already run out. After taking this up with the Scottish Government, I am pleased that another £500,000 has been made available for Care and Repair services.”
Concern grew as news broke of funding to help elderly residents have their alarms fitted ran out.
Ms Lennon previously called the situation“a shambles”as critics called for Scots to be given more time to ensure they have what they need in place before the new laws came into play on Tuesday, February 1.
And before the funding was extended she stressed:“this is causing sleepless nights for people who don’t know where to turn. “You can’t do fire safety on the cheap.” Many locals expressed their frustration due to an automated voice message played on Lanarkshire company Care and Repair’s phoneline.
The message included:“if you’re looking for financial assistance with the installation of the fire detection, unfortunately our funding from the Scottish Government has now all been completely used.”
But with the new laws now in place, many Lanarkshire households may still require additional help to have them fitted.
Ms Lennon has offered her support to those affected.
She added:“there are a lot of people still not getting the support they need and I have been clear with SNP ministers that they can’t do fire safety on the cheap.
“If any constituents need advice or support I would be happy to hear from them.”