Question reference: S5W-36025
- Asked by: Gordon Lindhurst, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 11 March 2021
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Current status: Answered by Kevin Stewart on 15 March 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it has given to pausing the implementation of the new smoke alarm regulations beyond 2022 pending further consultation with local authorities and community and consumer groups.
Answer
Fire safety remains our priority and changes to the requirement for fire and carbon monoxide detectors in all homes mean that everyone will benefit from the same level of protection, whether they own their home or rent.
These changes were due to come into force on 1 February 2021, however, taking cognisance of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have delayed the implementation for one year. The regulations improve protection from fire in people’s homes and, as with many issues in the face of this pandemic, we must consider the overall balance of harms. The one year delay strikes the right balance between the risk to people and their homes and the difficulties some people may experience with compliance.