The All-Party Parliamentary Carbon Monoxide Group (APPCOG), is celebrating the new laws for smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms, which came into force on 1 October in England, 1 February in Scotland and becomes law in Wales on 1 December.
It means that in England, landlords are responsible for providing appropriate CO alarms for their rented properties – and must take into account the needs of any disabled tenants. Those who fail to do so risk facing a £5,000 fine.
In Scotland, CO alarms must carry the British Kitemark EN 50291-1 to ensure they are of a safe and reliable standard. In Wales, homes without a smoke or a CO alarm where required are considered unfit for human habitation.
The legal changes follow years of campaigning from the APPCOG, which includes 14 MPs and two members of the House of Lords, together representing five political parties.
However, whilst APPCOG believes the regulatory changes are a significant step forwards, the group is concerned about UK individuals’ safety. As following the energy price hike, people are desperate to keep household costs down and may be tempted to cut corners when trying to keep warm, group members have said.
Campaigners are also concerned that people will put off having their gas and fuel burning appliances serviced as they simply can’t afford it. Moreover, the English Housing Survey reported that 54% of dwellings in England do not have any CO alarms at all.
Barry Sheerman MP, the co-chair of the All-Party Group, said: “By making carbon monoxide alarms a legal requirement, governments are sending a strong message – carbon monoxide is seriously harmful. If you don’t have an alarm, you need to get one for your home as soon as possible.
“I urge everyone to join the Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week campaign from 21 – 27 November, to raise awareness of the risks of carbon monoxide and what can be done about it.”