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Government announces carbon monoxide alarm review
A government review into rules around carbon monoxide alarms could see them made compulsory in all rented homes.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) said the review would be launched later this year but did not give a date.
The review will examine whether current regulations are fit for purpose. It could see the requirement to install carbon monoxide alarms in homes where solid fuel is burnt extended to cover all heating methods, including oil and gas.
It will also look into whether the cost of alarms has affected installation rates. There are currently around eight million carbon monoxide alarms fitted in homes in England.
The review follows discussions between ministers at the MHCLG and Conservative MP Eddie Hughes, who has campaigned for regulations on alarms to cover all tenants.
Mr Hughes, who chairs Walsall Housing Group and is a former assistant chief executive of specialist housing provider YMCA Birmingham, last year brought a Ten Minute Rule Bill on carbon monoxide prevention to parliament.
“I’m pleased the housing minster has responded positively to my campaign and the work done by all those involved in raising awareness of this silent killer,” said Mr Hughes.
“I look forward to the outcome of the review and will continue to campaign for improved safety to protect others from the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning.”
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Housing minister Dominic Raab added: “Carbon monoxide can be a silent killer and my top priority is to ensure people remain safe and protected in their own homes.
“Working with Eddie Hughes, who has a long track record of campaigning on this issue, this review will look into the adequacy of the current laws and ensure they are providing residents with the necessary protection.”
Mr Raab added that any future changes to regulation would take into account the outcome of Dame Judith Hackitt’s independent review into building regulations, commissioned in response to the Grenfell Tower fire.
