Scottish Labour hit out at SNP’s 'shambolic' handling of new fire alarm laws

SCOTTISH Labour has hit out at the SNP over their ‘shambolic handling’ of new fire alarm regulations set to come into force next year.

A report has found that only 800 people have so far received funding for the installation of interlinked fire alarms, with the new information also revealing that half of the 500,000 budget has already been spent.

After the Grenfell Tower Tragedy in 2017, a new law change will mean that every homeowner will be required to have linked fire alarms from February 2022.

The regulations also mean every home in Scotland should have a smoke alarm fitted in the living room, in order for the property to meet “tolerable standards”, as well as in circulation spaces such as hallways and landings.

The SNP pledged funding of half a million pounds to help older people, the disabled and homeowners in receipt of a range of benefits, with the installation costs.

However, after a Freedom of Information request was submitted, it was revealed that fewer than one in 10 eligible for that support will be able to receive it.

Scottish Labour have called the SNP’s handling of the situation ‘shambolic’.

A spokesperson for the party said: “The FOI revealed that with more than half the budget spent, slightly more than 800 households have benefited – suggesting under 2,000 will benefit overall.

“This is in contrast to around 60,000 households being eligible for pension credit or employment...

Read Full Story: https://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/19779074.scottish-labour-hit-snps-sha...