Meeting of the Parliament 25 June 2014
Thank you, Presiding Officer.
The Housing (Scotland) Bill was an opportunity to take control of this crisis and start tackling the challenges that we face. We would have liked to have seen more progressive parts included in the bill and are disappointed that our proposed amendments to create sustainable committees, cap yearly rent rises and ensure security for tenants in the private rented sector did not gain support.
The abolition of the right to buy has been long overdue and needed to protect social housing, and we welcome the measure in the bill. However, we would have preferred, in line with the recommendation of the Infrastructure and Capital Investment Committee and the majority of those who gave evidence to it, for the right to buy to be abolished one year, rather than two years, from the date of royal assent.
Protecting social housing does not stop at ending the right to buy. Ensuring that everyone has a right to social housing that is suitable for their needs remains a priority for Scottish Labour. That is why we wanted the amendment on sustainable communities. With such an approach, we can consider sustainability by matching tenants to homes and, we hope, build long-lasting communities. Living in sustainable communities benefits everyone. Our local authorities and housing associations, working with community groups, know best what their communities need. Working to make sure that people can sustain their tenancy and tackle antisocial behaviour is a priority for Labour.
Part 3 of the bill, on the transfer of power to the first-tier tribunal, is a practical move. Sheriff courts across Scotland are struggling to support criminal justice proceedings, and it is a step in the right direction to take housing-related issues out of those courts. However, careful monitoring is required to ensure that tribunals remain fair and representative.
On the private rented sector, James Kelly proposed amendments on rent reviews and increases in tenancy lengths that would have improved the bill. Indeed, the SNP’s expert working group on welfare said in relation to the private rented sector:
“This means looking at the nature of tenancies, for example, giving tenants in the private sector longer-term tenancies than generally exist at present, as well as building into tenancy agreements that rents should increase in line with inflation but not above it”.
Another feature of the bill is the registration of letting agents. We need a strong, well-regulated private rented sector with meaningful sanctions that give confidence and security to both tenants and landlords. I am pleased that the minister has recognised the merit of my stage 2 amendments on short Scottish secure tenancies, and I welcome her amendment that ensures that tenants will get more information on why they are being transferred to a Scottish secure tenancy, what action will be taken and the right of appeal.
At stages 1 and 2, concerns were raised regarding mobile home site owners adding further charges for utilities. Again the minister took on board my proposed amendment on that issue and has amended the bill with her amendment.
I can confirm that Scottish Labour will support the passing of the bill. As I mentioned earlier, the housing sector in Scotland faces some complex and difficult challenges going forward. It is disheartening that the bill does not contain any new or radical proposals, but that highlights the lack of vision on housing from the Scottish Government.
Scottish Labour’s vision would be for a strong and vibrant housing sector. We would engage with key stakeholders across Scotland to build a policy that makes a real difference, with a long-term strategy for rural and urban housing. We would seek to regenerate our town centres and to tackle the empty properties that affect all of Scotland. We would be innovative and have a long-term housing action plan that would tackle Scotland’s housing crisis head on.
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