There have been calls for Scottish homeowners to be given more time to comply with new fire safety regulations introduced by the Scottish Government.
New legislation sets out that every home must meet the new standards by February 2021. From this date, every home must have:
- a smoke alarm in the living room and in circulation spaces such as hallways and landings
- a heat alarm in every kitchen
- all alarms ceiling mounted and interlinked
- a carbon monoxide alarm where there are fixed combustion appliances such as boilers and wood burners
All alarms should be ceiling mounted and interlinked.
Where there is a carbon-fuelled appliance (such as boilers, fires (including open fires) and heaters) or a flue, a carbon monoxide detector is also required which does not need to be linked to the fire alarms.
The new rules mean the standard which currently applies to private rented property and new-builds is being extended to all homes in Scotland.
The Scottish Government estimates that this will cost households around £220. However, this is based on using alarms you can install by yourself without the need for an electrician. The Scottish Government website says that ‘any costs will be the responsibility of homeowners and landlords.’
The guidance was published on October 12th, giving Scots just over three months to comply.
Worried constituents have been in touch with Borders MP, John Lamont, about the new rules.
John Lamont MP said: “Since the release of this new guidance I have been contacted by a steady stream of concerned local residents worried about how they will comply with these changes.
“There should have been more advertising highlighting the changes. Already some local residents have received adverts from installation companies and many feared it was a scam. But it is not. Homeowners have to comply with these new rules by February next year.
“I know that these changes are meant in good faith, and for everyone’s safety, but I think there should have been more notice given to affected householders.
“This is especially the case given the coronavirus pandemic which could make compliance before February very difficult for some.
“The Scottish Government says that the changes can cost around £220. But this is for doing it yourself, and without the help of an electrician. Estimates for contractors to do the work can be far greater than this.
“Those with mobility issues will struggle to install these items themselves, and it remains to be seen what sort of help they will get with costs.
“It is perhaps time for the Scottish Government to consider pushing back the deadline to allow more time for Borderers to comply.”
