Scottish government delay smoke alarm legislation until 2022

New laws which requires all homes in Scotland to have interlinked smoke alarms will be delayed until 2022.

The moves, which also include new rules on carbon monoxide alarms, follow criticism over the lack of public awareness from charity Age Scotland.

The new measures, which would cost an estimated £220 for an average three-bedroom home, were due to come into force in February.

The Scottish government said MSPs would be asked to approve a 12-month delay.

• Smoke alarm rules to apply to all homes in Scotland

Housing minister Kevin Stewart said: "Given the impact of Covid-19, and the difficulties this is likely to create for people seeking to install new smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, we have listened to concerns and decided to ask the Scottish Parliament to delay implementation.

"If this delay is approved, we will continue to work with partners to spread awareness of the changes before the new deadline.

"Our focus will be on supporting householders to ensure satisfactory fire alarms are installed so we can improve the safety of their homes."

Under the new legislation all home owners and landlords must ensure they have a ceiling-mounted smoke alarms in their living room, hallways and landings.

All kitchens must have a heat alarm and, crucially, the system must be interlinked, either through fixed wiring or a wireless system.

This means if one alarm is activated it will trigger the others.

Finally, a carbon monoxide alarm must be fitted where there is a fuel burning appliance or a flue.

'Deadline looming'

If a homeowner is unable to fit their own system then they will need to pay the additional cost of a electrician.

The legislation was introduced in February 2019 following the Grenfell Tower tragedy, which claimed 72 lives.

Speaking before the announcement, Adam Stachura of Age Scotland said: "The big concern that we have is that we have lost a year in the planning for this as a result of coronavirus."

The charity said it has received many calls from concerned older people, who are wary of getting work carried out in their home during the pandemic.

Mr Stachura told BBC Radio Scotland's Drivetime: "Nobody knows about this or has heard about it in and every bit of news in 2020 has been about everything but this.

"The deadline is looming. It is three months away and how on earth people are going to be able to fulfil this is completely unknown."

'Unrealistic target'

The Scottish Conservatives said most householders only found out via a leaflet this week, which warned of substantial penalties for non-compliance.

There are also fears over home insurance being invalidated in the event of an accident.

Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross had also called for the new laws to be delayed to 2022, so that a full awareness campaign can be carried out.

Mr Ross said: "Fire safety is absolutely vital, but homeowners currently 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."

He added: "It is only right to delay this unrealistic target while individuals and families are facing financial challenges and the ongoing pandemic is creating concerns about tradespeople coming into their homes."