Government set to delay wired smoke alarms legislation

Nicola Sturgeon has signalled that a dead l ine for homeowners to comply with strict new fire safety rules is likely to be pushed back by a year.

The first minister admitted she had received emails about the issue after it “sparked a bit of concern” when companies began sending leaflets to homes.

Fears had been raised that many property owners across Scotland were unaware of a looming deadline in February for interlinked fire alarms to be fitted in key rooms throughout every home, and that they would struggle to have the costly work carried out in time due to restrictions caused by the pandemic.

Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross had called for the deadline to be delayed until 2022 , branding it a “communications failure”.

He said: “Fire safety is absolutely vital , but homeowners c urrently have less than four months to install the alarms, at a cost of between £200 and £300, or risk breaking the law and invalidating their home insurance.”

The Scottish Government confirmed yesterday it is considering an extension to the deadline and Ms Sturgeon gave her backing to the move at her daily coronavirus briefing.

She said: “Kevin Stewart, the housing minister, is considering that as of now and I think there is a strong case to be made for a delay of a year, given the practical issues with the pandemic of people doing what is required to meet with that standard.

“Once Kevin has had the opportunity... we will make an announ cemen t confirming that decision as soon as possible.

“But I know I have had quite a few emails about it, because I think people have been getting leaflets from companies, which has sparked a bit of concern.”

Mr Ross, the Moray MP, raised the issue after being contacted by constituents.

He said: “The rush to get tens of thousands of units installed will put real pressure on the trade.

“There has been a communications failure over the change from the SNP government. It is only right to de lay this unrealistic target.”

A Scottish Government spokesman said: “In light of the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, the Scottish Government is actively considering a delay in the deadline to carry out this important safety work.

“A decision will be announced shortly.

“Improving fire safety is a ke y priority for the Scottish Government.

“The tragic events at Grenfell Tower emphasised how important building and fire safety is, which is why, following consultation, we announced in 2018 that the standards that already e xisted in the private rented sector would be applied to all homes. Our intention is that everyone should benefit from the same level of protection, whether you own your home or rent from a social or private landlord.”

HOMES: Concerns have been raised about a looming deadline to fit fire safety devices.