The Scottish Government has resisted calls to delay the introduction of disputed new laws which will force Renfrewshire homeowners to fit costly fire detection systems.
Hopes were high that staunch cross-party opposition from political rivals would force the SNP-led administration into a U-turn over the "shambles".
But MSP Shona Robison confirmed in Parliament this week that the government intended to plough on with the controversial move.
It will see homeowners forced to install interlinked fire alarms, which operate in sequence should a fire be detected, as well as heat alarms in kitchen areas and carbon monoxide detectors in rooms where carbon-producing systems such as gas boilers, are located.
The laws, set to come into force on February 1, have already been rolled back a year due to the Covid pandemic.
But Ms Robison confirmed to Holyrood that the move, which has angered homeowners and opposition politicians, will go ahead, saying: "Having considered the balance of risks, I’m clear that it’s not right to delay the legislation that is designed to protect and save lives.
"Ensuring people are safe from risk of fire in their homes is a key priority for the Scottish Government. These improved standards will reduce the risk of injury and death in house fires."
The legislation came in response to the 2017 Grenfell Tower disaster.
Critics have said the plan is beset by problems, including the costs involved with installation of the systems, lack of awareness amongst the public - many of whom are feared to not know about the demands - and issues with current supply of the equipment itself.
Fears are also rife that elderly homeowners panicked into complying with the legislation will fall prey to con men.
But the Holyrood government remains adamant that the laws will come into play as planned but say they will not criminalise homeowners who don't comply.
Paisley-based MSP Neil Bibby is one of those who called for the delay of the scheme, saying it's another problem residents don't need.
He told the Express: "Ministers were dragged before the Scottish Parliament this week to answer basic questions about new alarm regulations but people are still in the dark. It’s a shambles.
"There are people all across Scotland worried about finding themselves in breach of the law and there are others who still do not know they need new interlinked alarms in the first place. The SNP have failed to publicise new regulations and are now refusing to delay regulations until public concern can be addressed. Their entire approach has been baffling and it is causing real anxiety."
The politician, a Labour West of Scotland list MSP, added: "Everyone wants to make their homes safer but the February deadline is clearly too soon. A delay is needed to get Scotland ready for new fire safety rules.
"If the Scottish Government insist on forging ahead with these changes and hit households with hefty bills for alarms in the middle of a cost of living crisis, they must iron out these problems and do more to help the poorest households meet the costs."
Homeowners have also been left fearing that non-compliance with the legislation will leave their home insurance void - an issue which had also been of concern amongst opposition politicians.
It came after the Association of British Insurers that failure to meet the new Scottish legal safety standard could affect existing policies.
But Ms Robison, the Minister for Social Justice, Housing and Local Government, told Parliament this week that the Scottish Government had consulted with insurers, saying: "We've engaged proactively with the Association of British Insurers throughout the legislative process, and they have ensured their members were aware of the changes and have stated that while insurers may ask customers questions about whether the property is fitted with working fire alarms, they are not likely to ask questions about specific standards.
"Anyone who is unclear on their policy terms and conditions in relation to the new law should speak to their insurer."
But insurance giant Axa has already moved to allay customers' fears.
Dougie Barnett, the company's Customer Risk Management Director, said, "As an insurer, our core purpose is protection and with this in mind, we support the installation of interlinked alarms to help people evacuate their homes safety if required. This is an important change for everyone to make, including developers of new build properties.
"We encourage installation as soon as possible however AXA will not invalidate a home insurance claim for existing customers who haven’t yet complied with the new law in Scotland."
