Government proposal to improve homes
9 Apr 08
Draft guidance gives local authorities more powers over private sector homes
Draft guidance to help local authorities exercise new powers and carry out duties to take action on poor quality private housing has been published for consultation.
The measures, part of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006, propose changes in the approach to dealing with poor living conditions in Scotland's privately owned housing stock.
While making clear owners' responsibility for repair and maintenance, they introduce new powers for local authorities to provide more help to owners, such as information and advice, and loans and grant where needed.
The proposals would modernise existing powers and allow local authorities to intervene at an earlier stage. They also improve the financial assistance available for owners who want to adapt their homes to suit a disabled occupant.
Additional advice
The consultation, which runs until 1 July 2008, asks for views on all the guidance created for local authorities, and in particular, new proposals on a National Lending Unit and Lending Advisory Service to help people find affordable loans with which to finance repairs; and a national Trusted Trader framework to ensure individuals have access to reputable and affordable traders.
Communities and Sport Minister Stewart Maxwell said: "Too many people in Scotland live in houses that are in poor condition, or have difficulty living independently because of the design of their houses. Most of these houses are in the private sector.
"Personal responsibility is at the heart of this new approach. The new powers in the Act reflect this principle. But not everyone is able to act on their own, and this guidance aims to reach many more people in that position than before and to provide the right assistance where it is most needed."