Overview

The Carbon Monoxide (Detection and Safety) Bill aims to improve carbon monoxide safety in England and Wales by mandating carbon monoxide alarms in rented and newly built homes with fuel-burning appliances and giving fire and rescue services a core function in promoting carbon monoxide safety.

Description

This bill introduces several key measures:

• Fire and Rescue Services Role: Makes carbon monoxide safety a core function of fire and rescue authorities in England, requiring them to provide information, publicity, and advice on prevention and alarm installation.
• Mandatory Alarms in Rented Properties: Requires the Secretary of State to create regulations within 12 months, mandating landlords to install and maintain functioning audible carbon monoxide alarms in rented dwellings with fuel-burning appliances. This applies to various landlords, including social housing providers.
• Mandatory Alarms in New Builds: Requires the Secretary of State to introduce regulations within 12 months, mandating the installation of functioning audible carbon monoxide alarms in all newly built dwellings in England with fuel-burning appliances.
• Housing Act 2004 Amendment: Amends the Housing Act 2004 to ensure that licences for houses include a mandatory condition for installing carbon monoxide alarms in living areas with fuel-burning appliances.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending figures. The costs will likely relate to the administrative burden on government departments in creating and enforcing the new regulations, and potential costs for fire and rescue services in fulfilling their new responsibilities. No specific budgetary allocations are provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Landlords: Will be required to install and maintain carbon monoxide alarms in their properties, incurring costs for installation and maintenance. Failure to comply could lead to penalties.
• Tenants: Will benefit from increased safety through mandatory carbon monoxide alarms in their rented homes.
• Homebuyers: Will receive newly built homes equipped with carbon monoxide alarms.
• Fire and Rescue Services: Will have a new core function concerning carbon monoxide safety, requiring additional resources and training.
• Builders: Will be required to install carbon monoxide alarms in new builds, adding to construction costs.

Powered by nyModel