SNP fails to act on sprinkler warning

SNP ministers have failed for two years to act on a recommendation to install sprinklers in all high-rise flats, the Scottish Daily Mail can reveal.

Expert analysis commissioned by the Scottish Government advised that fitting the safety measure in tower blocks would save lives and make economic sense.

But no action has been taken since the study was delivered in May 2015.

Building regulations insist on sprinklers in every apartment in newly built flats. But Edinburgh analyst Optimal Economics looked into whether they should be fitted in all housing stock, including thousands of high-rise residences.

The group stated: ‘There is a very strong case on cost-benefit grounds for installing sprinklers in new (and existing) flats in deprived areas.’

Last night, report co-author Peter Wood, an economist, said: ‘Obviously, the decision was taken not to go down that route. Nothing was done.’ Mr Wood – who has compiled several reports on the merits of sprinklers – added: ‘[They] are 95 per cent effective... Sprinklers are pretty good at stopping fires from growing.’

The report found systems could be fitted for £1,000 per flat.

In November 2015, Labour MSP David Stewart asked the Government to ‘outline its plans to progress [the report’s] findings’ but his motion was turned down for debate.

He said: ‘Events in London have brought new urgency to this matter.’

Scottish Tory community safety spokesman Oliver Mundell said: ‘This report made clear recommendations... I’m sure the Government will want to look again at these.’

The Scottish Government said: ‘A short-term ministerial working group is to review Scottish regulations.’