News from IGEM UK

MP urges UK landlords to install CO alarms into rented accommodation

Call for CO protection in rented accomodation

Margaret Ritchie MP has tabled an Early Day Motion to ensure all British renters have a carbon monoxide alarm installed in their homes.

At the moment in England landlords must only fit carbon monoxide alarms in those homes with a solid fuel burning appliance. However, in Scotland landlords must install an alarm in rooms containing a fuel burning appliance, including natural gas. This Early Day Motion builds on the Scottish model and would affect all renters within the UK.

The average cost of a CO alarm compliant with European standards is £20, according to the Council of Gas Detection and Environmental Monitoring. Recent research at Liverpool John Moores University has shown that those living in low income households are most at risk of CO poisoning, which causes the deaths of about 50 people each year.

APPCOG, the All-Party Parliamentary Carbon Monoxide Group, have welcomed this motion. APPCOG had already recommended all homes in the private rented sector be fitted with compliant alarms. Their latest inquiry report,  Carbon Monoxide: From Awareness to Action, made in total 21 recommendations to government, fire and rescue authorities and more to enhance CO safety.

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