Question reference: S5W-34601
- Asked by: Sarah Boyack, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 15 January 2021
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Current status: Answered by Kevin Stewart on 25 January 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what financial support and other assistance it will offer people on low incomes to help them comply with its updated regulations on fire and heat alarms.
Answer
We are considering how householders can best be supported to comply with the updated regulations and will provide an update to Parliament in due course. While it will be the responsibility of the homeowner to meet the new fire and carbon monoxide alarm standard, local authorities have broad discretionary powers to provide advice and assistance to home owners with work needed to look after their homes, as they are best placed to determine what assistance should be provided in their area.
Help for vulnerable people who are at a higher risk of fire, as determined by the SFRS, is available. The Scottish Government has, so far, provided the SFRS with over £1m of funding for this purpose.
Homeowners can contact their local Care and Repair service who provide independent advice and assistance to help homeowners (aged over 60 or who have a disability) repair, improve or adapt their homes so that they can live in comfort and safety in their own community.