HOUSING Secretary Shona Robison is to make an unscheduled parliamentary statement about an imminent change to the law on fire and smoke alarms amid growing calls for a delay.

Tomorrow’s announcement, which has only just been included in Holyrood’s business bulletin, will be on “strengthened fire alarm standards”.

The statement was not included in the bulletin issued by the parliament yesterday, but has now appeared on its website, fuelling speculation the changes will be paused.

It comes after Labour demanded an SNP minister tell the chamber about the changes and costs facing homeowners if the laws come into effect on February 1.

The legislation, which has already been delayed 12 months because of a lack of public awareness and preparedness, relates to interlinked alarm systems. 

Prompted by the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the law requires all homes to have interlinked fire and smoke alarms, plus carbon monoxide alarms where needed.

The costs are likely to be at least £200, and failure to install the alarms could invalidate people’s home insurance. 

Labour yesterday warned inadequate preparation by the government could leave hundreds of thousands of households below standard next month.

The charity Age Scotland yesterday said there was “no chance” that most private homes would be compliant, and was “abundantly clear” that another delay was needed. 

One Herald reader, who wished to remain anonymous, also urged a delay, and said not enough thought had been given to people like them who were shielding from coronavirus.

“It is ironic that the installation of these smoke alarms, meant to save lives, could mean that someone actually looses a their life due to Covid. 

“I think the government need to urgently put these installations back.”

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton today urged the Scottish Government to allow a “grace period” so that homeowners were not penalised.

He said: “I am deeply concerned by how this rollout has been handled by the Scottish Government. This is a failure that may put lives at risk. In these circumstances, it is unrealistic to proceed with the 1st February 2022 timetable for full implementation.  

“The Scottish Government needs to provide more active and urgent support for households who have not been able to install the correct systems and an estimate of how much of the installation work remains outstanding. At a time when Scotland is experiencing a cost-of-living crisis, it is essential that homeowners are properly supported.   

“Fire and carbon monoxide systems save many lives each year, this is why Scottish Liberal Democrats are requesting a formal grace period, to allow enough time for homeowners to meet the standards, receive proper financial support, and the problems that have accompanied the rollout are resolved.”

The Scottish Government refused to discuss the content of Ms Robison's statement.

 

However her departmental Twitter account tonight said the law would not be changed, but that people would not be criminalised for needing more time to install alarms.

It said: "The rules mean those who own their homes will follow the same standards that have applied to new build homes for the last decade.

"They allow flexibility for homeowners unable to install alarms by 1 February.

"No one will be criminalised if they need more time.

"Social landlords are working to ensure interlinked fire alarms are in place for their tenants, to meet the same standard expected in the private rented sector since 2013.

"Your insurer might ask you whether your home has working fire alarms, but they are unlikely to ask whether the alarms meet this new standard.

"If you’re unclear about how your policy will be affected please speak to your insurer for advice."