New law to cut fire deaths in Wales moves closer

Proposed new Welsh legislation which could help cut deaths in house fires has moved a step closer.

Ann Jones was the first AM to win a ballot to propose an LCO (Legislative Competence Order). She has laid her order – which would make it compulsory for new houses in Wales to be fitted with sprinkler systems -  in the Assembly Table Office and asked for a committee to be set up to scrutinise the LCO.  LCOs are new way to gain additional law-making rights for the Assembly.

Ann Jones AM said: “I was delighted to be the first backbench AM to gain Assembly approval in principle for an LCO, and I now want to move forward to the next stage so I have laid my order and asked the Presiding Officer for a committee to scrutinise my proposals.

“I worked in the fire service for 30 years so I am aware of the devastating impact of house fires, and I am convinced that this legislation would save lives – where sprinkler systems have been installed elsewhere in the world, not a single life has been lost, and my proposals would enable Wales to lead the way on fire safety in the UK. I am delighted to have the backing of the fire service and the fire brigades union.”

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