New law on interlinked fire alarms coming into force despite concerns over 'shambolic' rollout

A controversial policy requiring all homes in Scotland to have interlinked fire alarms will come into force next month as scheduled – despite recent warnings by Highland politicians that the plans are "shambolic" and the timescale is "unrealistic".

The Scottish Government emphasised that "no-one will be penalised" if they do not install the alarms but made it clear that all householders are encouraged to do so. A spokesperson estimated the cost at about £220 for a three-bedroom property.

The new law has come about because of the Grenfell Tower blaze in London in 2017 and it means every house in Scotland should have systems in place by the start of February.

Homes will need interlinked alarms in the living room – or the room that is used most – and in every hallway or landing, and there has to be a heat alarm in the kitchen, all mounted on the ceiling.

However, there have been concerns that not enough people are aware of the change.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “We have confirmed that this legislation will come in next month as these alarms can protect lives. The legislation was introduced after the tragic Grenfell fire to ensure that owner-occupied and social rented homes meet exactly the same standards that have been in place in new-build properties for the past decade and the private rental sector since 2013.

“The average cost for sealed-battery alarms – which can be fitted by the home-owner or resident in the same way as traditional standalone alarms – is about £220 to cover a three-bedroom home, although some models may be cheaper.

“As we have repeatedly said, no-one will be penalised if they do not install these alarms but we would encourage everyone to do so.

“We have engaged throughout the legislative process with the Association of British Insurers who advise member firms are aware of the new regulations coming into force and are unlikely to invalidate a home insurance claim for existing customers who haven’t yet complied with the new law in Scotland. Anyone who is unclear on their policy terms and conditions in relation to the new law in Scotland should speak to their insurer.

“The findings of a YouGov survey in December 2021 showed that 43 per cent of home-owners interviewed said they were either already compliant or were very likely to comply by February 1 this year, rising to a total of 66 per cent when those saying ‘fairly likely’ are included.”

Last week, Highlands and Islands Labour MSP Rhoda Grant claimed there had been a lack of public information.

Mrs Grant said: "The introduction of this new policy has been shambolic. It has already been delayed due to lack of publicity and yet again we find ourselves in a situation where people are being caught on the hop, because the Scottish Government has not provided enough information to householders.

"The Scottish Labour Party has again asked for a delay to publicise the change in order to allow adequate time for people to have these alarms fitted."

Jamie Stone, the Liberal Democrat MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, spoke of his "deep concern" at how the rollout had been handled.

He said: "It is unrealistic to proceed with the February 1 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.

"Scottish Liberal Democrats are requesting that, while this urgent work is carried out, a formal grace period is announced."

Maree Todd, the SNP MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, pointed out that Scottish Government funding has been provided to help with the installation of alarms for older and disabled home-owners.

A spokesperson for the Association of British Insurers said last week: “It will be for individual insurers to decide how they respond to the new standard – anyone who is unclear on their policy terms and conditions in relation to the new law in Scotland should speak to their insurer.

"Insurers will expect that households and businesses are compliant with any legislation on requirements for the property, such as a requirement to have fire alarms.

"They may ask customers questions about whether the property is fitted with working fire alarms, but are not likely to ask questions about specific standards.”

The Scottish Government says interlinked alarms increase the chance of people being alerted to a fire more quickly because they all go off simultaneously, regardless of where the outbreak starts.

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