By Democrat reporter
Nicola Sturgeon has signalled there will be a year’s delay to new rules on fire and smoke alarms in the home after a public backlash.
The First Minister said the rules were due to come into force from February and would have meant all homes must have interlinked heat and smoke alarms, plus carbon monoxide detectors where required.
The cost, which is not covered by any grant, would be at least £200 if self-installed, but some professional installers are asking for up to £600. Failure to install the alarms could invalidate people’s home insurance.
Following protests from MSPs such as Jackie Baillie, who represents Dumbarton, Vale of Leven, Helensburgh and the Lochside, the First Minister did a U-turn and put the matter off for the moment at least.
Age Scotland said it had been inundated by calls from people worried about the cost and the risk of having tradespeople in their homes during the pandemic.
The Scottish Tories demanded the changes, which were a response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy, should be delayed until 2022.
Ms Sturgeon was asked for an update on the issue at the daily coronavirus briefing.
She said: “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.
“I know I’ve had quite a few emails about it, and I think people have been getting leaflets from companies from about it, which sparked a bit of concern.”
Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville added: “We are absolutely aware of the concerns that are out there about that. Kevin Stewart is very keen to be able to reassure people about this.”
Jackie Baillie, Kevin Stewart and Shirley Anne Somerville.
Jackie Baillie said: ““I have been contacted by many constituents who were rightly concerned about these changes to fire alarm regulations. This change was agreed by the parliament back in January 2019, so there is no excuse for the government not to have advertised this to people before now.
“Instead local people found out from a private company wanting to install the alarms who told households about the changes required.
“This is no way to run things – and certainly not at a time of crisis – so I am glad that the Scottish Government has listened to calls made by myself and others to delay the roll out of these changes until February 2022.”
Willie Rennie, LibDem leader wants and inquiry into contractor.
Meanwhile, a probe into the use of the official government logo by a commercial company has been demanded by the Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, Willie Rennie. The inquiry has been called for after the Scottish Government were forced to ditch its botched fire alarm plan yesterday. Mr Rennie also called for a fully funded new plan to be prepared urgently.
Speaking after Kevin Stewart, who was given the hospital pass of announcing the U-turn, ditched the existing plan Mr Rennie said: “It’s been an embarrassing set of events for the housing minister. Hundreds of thousands of people found out for the first time about the new fire alarm requirements when a commercial company claiming the endorsement of the Scottish Government dropped a flimsy leaflet through their letterbox.
“We now need a probe into how a commercial company was ever given permission by the government to use the official logo to endorse its work.
“Rather than reassuring people the leaflet caused alarm with people concerned about the consequences of these changes.
“What we also need is a new plan and it needs to be prepared urgently. It needs to be fully funded so that those on low incomes get the support to install the alarms which will cost over £200 per house and it needs to be promoted through a government information campaign with technical advice on how to get it done.”