The call for mandatory smoke alarms has formed a central part of the LGA’s key report ‘The Fire and Rescue Service: Making our Nation Safer’. This document sets out a blueprint for the next government, with a series of proposals for how fire and rescue services can improve fire safety and save the public purse money.

Lib Dem ministers in government have tabled regulations before the end of this Parliament requiring all private sector landlords to install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms .

While the majority of private sector landlords are reputable and voluntarily install alarms, there are a small minority who do not, needlessly putting lives at risk. They have a duty of care to their tenants and this important measure will ensure this is met. A working smoke alarm can make the difference between life and death and should be seen as every bit as essential as a lock on the front door.