The Scottish Government has confirmed it will back plans led by a Labour politician to make sprinklers mandatory in new properties

Plans to make sprinklers mandatory in new social housing to reduce fire risks are set to be implemented.

Highlands and Islands MSP David Stewart introduced a member’s bill into the Scottish Parliament calling for legislation to make it a legal requirement for all future new build social housing properties to be fitted with sprinkler systems in light of the Grenfell tragedy.

And now the Scottish Government has confirmed it will move forward with the proposals.

Every high-rise built in Scotland since 2005 must have sprinklers by law. But there has been no obligation on councils or social landlords to fit the systems in older tower blocks, or other types of property.

Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said: “I am very grateful to David Stewart for his work on bringing forward this important issue and gaining cross-party support for his proposal. I can confirm that the Scottish Government will implement the aim of Mr Stewart’s proposal and will bring forward legislation as soon as is practicable in this parliamentary session.

“This is an opportunity to further improve standards in our social housing and this work will be taken forward alongside the recommendations of the two reviews of building standards and fire safety which we will consult on later this summer.”

Third Force News has contacted the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) for comment.