Controversial changes to fire safety laws in Scotland have been delayed by a year due to a lack of awareness of the rules being circulated in the country.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed that the Government would be delaying the deadline due to an influx of concerned emails as the deadline to be compliant approached.

The new fire safety rules meant that homes would have to be fitted with connected fire alarm systems to be fitted to key rooms around the home, however, some have branded the move as too costly.

Delay to fire safety law down to concerns

Nicola Sturgeon said: “I think there is a strong case to be made for a delay of a year, given the practical issues with the pandemic of people doing what is required to meet with that standard.

“I have had quite a few e-mails about it, because I think people have been getting leaflets from companies about it, which has sparked a bit of concern, but we will make the outcome of that process of consideration known, hopefully, very soon.”

Many within the Government have claimed that there has been a lack of communication from within and that the only possible measure was to postpone the new measures.

The delay now means that the law is likely to come in to place in 2022, giving homeowners a year to become compliant with the safety measures.