Dundee City Council has announced a major investment of around £8 million for new fire and smoke detection systems in a programme to improve safety measures for tenants.

Following Scottish Government consultation, the existing standard required in private rented housing is being extended to all homes across Scotland.

Neighbourhood services convener Councillor Kevin Cordell said: "Tenant safety is our number one priority and this significant investment would allow us to meet our responsibilites under this new legislation.

"We will be working hard to make sure that tenants have as much information as possible before any work is carried out in their homes.

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"I would urge them to help us to make these necessary improvements by responding quickly to us when we ask for access as the programme progresses.

"Dundee City Council is committed to ensuring that our housing stock is safe and meets all the necessary legal requirements."

Councillors will be told that this new legislation means that council houses must have at least one smoke alarm in the room most frequently used, at least one smoke alarm in spaces like hallways and at least one heat alarm in every kitchen. These will include an interface connection to the existing warden call systems in sheltered housing.

The neighbourhood services committee is being asked to approve the replacement and installation of the required smoke, heat and carbon monoxide detectors. The two-year programme will be considered by the councillors on Monday March 11.

Rita Smart, Chair of the Dundee Federation of Tenants Associations said: "The Federation welcomes the council's proactive approach in ensuring compliance with the new legislative requirements. Tenant safety is of the utmost priority and we will be working closely with the Council, registered tenants organisations and tenants generally to get the message out on how important it is that tenants facilitate access to let the Council carry out this essential work."