Alarm rule row sees Scottish Government blasted by both Tories and Labour at North Lanarkshire Council

The legislation was already postponed in October 2020 due to the pandemic, but SNP Ministers are now ploughing ahead.

Among those objecting is Scottish Conservative Meghan Gallacher who said:“SNP Ministers still have absolutely no idea how many homes in North Lanarkshire currently fall short of the requirements, yet they are pressing ahead anyway. I will be continuing to call on the SNP to delay these changes again.”

Bellshill Tory councillor Colin Cameron added: “I have received many complaints from constituents in relation to the availability of smoke alarms and the lack of forthcoming information from the Scottish Government to households.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said “This legislation saves lives. The average cost for sealed-battery alarms – which can be fitted by the homeowner 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. No one will be penalised if they do not install these alarms but we would encourage everyone to do so.”

For more on objections to this plan from Labour, see page 3.