Residents 'held to ransom' over high fire alarm costs claims Dumbarton MSP

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Residents are being “held to ransom” over exorbitant costs for installing fire alarms to meet new rules, it’s been claimed.Jackie Baillie MSP says she has been advised that constituents are being quoted £300 to £400 for the required devices.As of February 1, all homeowners must have connected smoke and heat alarms under legislation brought forward after the Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017.It means the interlinked alarms will all sound when one detects danger.Estimates by the Scottish Government for an average three-bedroom house requiring three smoke alarms, one heat alarm and one carbon monoxide detector is £220.Ms Baillie says constituents have also reported problems with getting installations done, alongside high prices.She said: “This is really worrying news that just days before these laws come into force on February 1st, people are being held to ransom by being quoted exorbitant rates for these devices.“People are unclear about what is required and panicking that they are having to fork out several hundreds of pounds.“Many of these people are older and vulnerable and therefore in a position where they feel that they have to pay whatever it takes to get this arranged in time.“The SNP ruled out a further delay but it is not too late to do the right thing and change their mind.”The Lennox Herald reported last month that calls were being made to delay new regulations requiring every home to have interlinked fire alarms – amid concerns many residents were unaware of the rules.These new laws were postponed from 2021 due to the pandemic.West Dunbartonshire Council agreed to write to the First Minister requesting the legal deadline is extended by 18 months in light of concerns.But SNP council leader Jonathan McColl said the