Planning is now underway to prepare for the changes made to the Housing Scotland Act (1987).

Landlords have been given a two year period to carry out the upgrades, which will affect over 36,500 council homes across the region.

Key changes include:

• At least one smoke alarm installed in the room used most for daily living;
• At least one smoke alarm in the hallway and landing areas on each storey;
• At least one heat alarm installed in every kitchen;
• All alarms should be ceiling mounted and interlinked, and
• Carbon monoxide detectors installed in all homes.

“This is an extensive installation programme,” said Brian Lafferty, head of housing property. “We’re preparing our plans to make these changes, required by legislation, that will further enhance tenant safety and continue to improve the quality of housing within North Lanarkshire.

“As the largest local authority landlord in Scotland, it’s a huge project, which will involve sound financial planning, continuous communication with our tenants and coordination for access to fit, inspect and maintain the new alarms. Some installations have already taken place using existing contracts and we are currently developing a new installation programme for the remainder of the housing stock.

“As we progress our plans we’ll contact tenants with additional information.”