'No penalties' over failure to comply with new fire alarm rules

Homeowners who fail to comply with new fire alarm rules face “no penalties”, the Scottish Government has said.

It comes after changes to legislation from February 1 will require all homes to have linked fire alarms in living rooms as well as areas such as hallways and landings.

The Scottish Government has stated that new alarms can be installed within a “reasonable period” once the deadline has passed.

The legislation deadline was called to be pushed back by Scottish Labour following supply chain issues with the new alarms, but housing secretary Shona Robison rejected the idea.

A joint statement from local authority body Cosla and the Scottish Government said: “Improving fire safety remains an important priority for both national and local government.

“The legislation provides flexibility for people to fit the necessary alarms in due course if they are unable to do so by the February 2022 deadline.

“As a result, local authorities will be taking a proportionate and measured approach to compliance taking individual circumstances into account as well as reflecting the evolving situation with the Covid-19 pandemic.

“No one will be criminalised if they need more time and there are no penalties for non-compliance.

“However, we would encourage everyone to install these alarms, which can help save lives.”