§ Bob SpinkTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what his policy is on encouraging further take-up of smoke alarms in domestic properties; and if he will make a statement. [189309]
§ Mr. RaynsfordMost fire and rescue services already undertake work to encourage and publicise fire prevention, including installing smoke alarms for vulnerable households. Smoke alarm ownership in the home has increased from nine per cent. in 1987 to the current level of 80 per cent.
The National Fire and Rescue Framework sets out the Government's objectives to increase smoke alarm ownership. Fire and rescue services are encouraged to implement smoke alarm installation programmes, targeting those at most risk by offering fire safety advice to householders and supplying and fitting smoke alarms free of charge where a dwelling has none. To underpin this work, a key feature of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004, is the new duty on all fire and rescue services to promote fire safety in their area.
The Government will continue to promote smoke alarm ownership through a series of national community fire safety campaigns.