All new homes will soon have to be fitted with special devices to limit hot water temperature in baths, under proposals agreed by the Government last month. The protective devices will be introduced with a view to reducing the significant number of burn victims, which more often than not are the young and the elderly.

And the city's Labour health and housing spokesperson, Coun. Tracey Simpson-Laing said she hoped it would reduce the number of local hospital admissions as a result. She commented:

"From October this year all new build homes will have protective devices fitted to baths to limit hot water temperature, such as a thermostatic mixing valve. Every year 570 people are admitted to UK hospitals suffering from severe and debilitating scald injuries. In addition 23 people are killed every year by being immersed in hot water by mistake by a carer or by falling into a bath and not being able to get out quickly enough. These are sobering statistics when you consider that the burns suffered by scald victims are every bit as painful and destructive as those suffered by victims of fires or explosions".

"Accidents happen, but now technology can help lessen this potential risk. This not only means a cut in accidents but also ensures a reduction in hospital admissions and the processes of care and reconstruction that can result from scalds. I appreciate that there are some who will see this as an added ‘cost', or more rules from the ‘nanny state' but when peoples lives are at risk, such thoughts must be put to one side".