Safety law disparities risking lives

THE tragic inferno at Grenfell Tower has thrown fire safety laws into sharp focus.

And our investigation today reveals alarming disparities in the rules north of the Border.

Yes, there will undoubtedly be lots of good practice in the social rented housing sector.

Glasgow Housing Association, for example, takes the issue so seriously it has a firefighter seconded to its organisation.

Similarly, there will be some private property owners who flout the rules while raking in substantial rental income.

But are we really happy with legislation which says some landlords don’t even have to provide a working smoke alarm?

Shouldn’t everyone who pays rent to have a roof over their head be entitled to the same protection under the law?

Let’s not forget that social housing exists as a safety net for those on low incomes or with particular needs.

Not everyone can afford, or find, suitable homes in the private sector.

As the body which represents tenants in Scotland rightly says, it’s time for the Holyrood Government to end this potentially- deadly anomaly.