News In Focus
23 February 2010
Proposed members' bills attract support
Two proposed members' bills are set to be introduced to the Scottish Parliament having attracted wide cross-party support.
Labour MSP Bill Butler's proposal for a Damages (Scotland) Bill has now received support from 33 MSPs, well over the 18 required for it to be introduced to the Parliament.
Scottish Law Commission work
The bill aims to speed up the process of paying compensation to victims of disease and accidents, including workplace accidents. Its proposals are based on the recommendations of a 2008 report by the Scottish Law Commission. If passed, the changes will remove the need to go to court in some cases where liability has been admitted, allowing victims' relatives to be compensated quicker. The bill will also take away the need for courtroom debate on living expenses.
Mr Butler, the MSP for Glasgow Anniesland, said: "I am delighted that colleagues from across the chamber have united behind these proposals.
"The Scottish Parliament should always be on the side of victims and their loved ones. I am hopeful that this cross-party support will continue as the bill makes it way through the parliament and allow us to change the law to help bring these cases to a swifter resolution."
Factors in line for controls
A further member's bill which would require all Scottish factors and property managers to register and be accredited has also attracted much support.
Patricia Ferguson, Labour MSP for Glasgow Maryhill, now has 45 signatories for her proposed Property Factors (Scotland) Bill, which has been drafted by Govan Law Centre.
Ms Ferguson said: "I am delighted that so many colleagues have recognised the need to legislate so that factors can be properly regulated and I am grateful to them for their support."