New smoke alarm legislation has been blasted as “shambolic”.
From Tuesday, homes across the region had to have a multiple, inter-linked alarm system – regardless of whether or not they were a new build.
The Scottish Government legislation was due to be introduced last year but was delayed due to the pandemic.
But Galloway and West MSP Finlay Carson believes its introduction should have been pushed back further, believing many people are unaware of the changes or are struggling to source alarms.
The Tory representative said: “The whole scheme that requires every home in Scotland to have interlinked smoke alarms has been nothing short of shambolic.
“Many people have been totally caught out because they didn’t know about the changes until the last week or so.
“The Scottish Government has failed to properly publicise the new legislation.
“The Scottish Conservatives have called on ministers to delay the scheme especially as there is a serious shortage of the new fire alarm systems in many areas.
“So, even if people want them they are struggling to buy them.”
On Sunday, the Scottish Government announced a further £500,000 was being provided to help more elderly and disabled people install systems – a move Mr Carson described as “knee-jerk”.
The move doubles the funding already allocated to Care and Repair Scotland to help install alarms, with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service having been given £1 million.
Housing Secretary Shona Robison said: “We’re introducing these new standards because interlinked fire alarms will save more lives.
“One death from fire is one too many but tragically last year alone 44 people died in house fires in Scotland.
“We would encourage all homeowners to install the alarms as soon as they are able – long life battery-powered interlinked alarms are as easy to install as traditional standalone ones.”
Meanwhile, the council is to take a “proportionate and measured” approach to enforcing the system.
The Scottish Government and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities have revealed there is “flexibility” in the legislation.
In a joint statement, they added: “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.”
“It is disgraceful that local councils have had to step in to reassure members of the public.”
