Scots fire safety regulation is robust but ministerial working group to take fresh look at rules, says Gil

MSP Gil Paterson has echoed remarks made by Communities Secretary Angela Constance on fire safety in tower blocks in West Dunbartonshire.

Ms Constance told how fire safety rules have remained robust in Scotland, following reclassification of some materials in 2013.

A question was raised in parliament about West Dunbartonshire in 2013 when construction was briefly paused on a development while a cladding material for low-rise flats was green-lit by the government.

The cabinet secretary said it would be “absolutely wrong to suggest there was any watering down of regulations” when the material was approved for low-rise flats.

The material is different in both composition and use to that of Grenfell Tower, Ms Constance confirmed.

MSPs were told the Scottish Government is not going to be complacent following the horrific events of Grenfell Tower in London, where dozens died in a blaze.

A ministerial working group has been set up to take a fresh look at regulations in wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster.

Mr Paterson said: “Scotland’s fire and safety regulations are first-rate and classifications are updated on a regular basis.

“But, we cannot be complacent, given the travesty of Grenfell Tower. It’s very wise that we take a fresh look at all of our regulations with this new short-life ministerial working group.

“The fire service is busier than ever now with safety checks in premises around the country, ensuring the robust standards are upheld.”

ENDS
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From Gil Paterson MSP by Alan Ferguson (07342 061722)