Concerns have been raised over how some residents will be able to afford interlinked heat and smoke alarms in order to meet new fire safety laws.

From February, all homeowners in the local area need to have linked alarms as a result of the Grenfell Tower tragedy in London four years ago, which claimed 72 lives.

The new regulations mean every home should have a smoke alarm fitted in the living room, in order for the property to meet “tolerable standards,” as well as in circulation spaces such as hallways and landings.

A heat alarm must also be fitted in every kitchen, with alarms connected so they can be heard throughout the home.

The systems were originally due to be in place by February 2021 but the date was pushed back to February 2022 as a result of the Covid pandemic.

The Scottish Government estimates the cost of new equipment for an average three-bedroom home which requires three smoke alarms, one heat alarm and one carbon monoxide detector will be around £220, based on using the type of alarms that can be installed by a homeowner without needing an electrician.

It is providing some funds to help disabled and older people meet these costs.

However, Age Scotland believes there has been “an underestimation of the scale of financial help” that will be needed by older households.

Brian Sloan, the charity’s chief executive, said: “Many older homeowners have voiced concerns over the affordability and cost of these devices, as well as where to access support to install them.

“The financial aspect will be a particular worry for those on low incomes who fall just outside eligibility criteria for support, as the average cost of the various interlinked alarms has been estimated at around £220, but this is not taking into account the added costs of installation and set up for those not able or comfortable doing this themselves.

“There is also uncertainty about how home insurance policies, or home reports if buying and selling, may be impacted, as well as how to prevent rogue traders from taking advantage of those worried about meeting the timescales for installation.”

Private rented and new-build homes must already meet the new standards but they will apply to every home in the local area from February, regardless of age or tenure.

Housing Secretary Shona Robison said: “Homeowners are generally responsible for paying for works to protect their property but we know some may not be able to meet the cost of fitting these alarms.

“That is why we are providing £500,000 to help disabled and older people, on top of the £1million we have provided to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to install alarms in owner-occupied homes identified as being at highest risk.”

Alasdair Perry, head of prevention and protection at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Having the earliest possible warning of a fire in the home can and has saved lives and property.

“Having interlinked alarms installed will allow everyone anywhere in the house to take action as quickly as possible.

“The Scottish Government has provided financial support to our home fire safety visit programme, which will allow us to fit to the new standard in the homes of those identified through our robust criteria as being at higher risk.

“However, if we go to any property that has no detection, we will still provide a battery-operated, stand-alone smoke detector and advise the occupant about the new standard for the fire and smoke alarms required by the legislation in all Scottish homes.”