Meeting of the Parliament 17 March 2016
As I said at stage 1 of the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Bill, I welcome a lot of what the Scottish Government and, in particular, the minister, Margaret Burgess, have proposed. However, I remain frustrated that we have not done more with the opportunity that has been put in front of us. In particular, I am frustrated that my colleague Ken Macintosh’s amendment to establish a private residential tenancy charter, which would have driven up standards in the private rented sector, was defeated this afternoon. That would have seen those tenants who rent in the private sector being given the same rights as those who rent in council or housing association homes.
As the minister knows, I raised at stage 1 the issue of the delay in establishing the new tribunal system. I said that I was surprised that, despite the legislation having been agreed in 2016, we will not have the tribunal system up and running until December 2017. The first-tier tribunal system is essential in making the legislation work. In her opening remarks, the minister called it the key component.
In its briefing for today’s debate, Shelter Scotland said:
“importantly, the new private residential tenancy alongside the transfer of private rented sector cases from the sheriff court to the First-tier tribunal will provide greater certainty and clarity for private landlords”.
Therefore, it is essential that we get this part of the system right, and I support the minister in doing that. However, she has yet to explain why the introduction of the tribunal system has been delayed and how that will affect the implementation of the bill. I would welcome clarity on the matter when the minister is summing up.
I have also asked the minister previously to work with organisations to make sure that the changes to the private rented sector are more widely known. I know that she is open to the suggestion, and I hope that a public awareness campaign on the changes will be actioned by her in the near future.
An issue that was spoken about throughout consideration of the bill was greater flexibility for those who wish to leave their tenancy as a result of domestic abuse before the initial six-month period has come to an end. The minister took those concerns seriously, and I am pleased that she has acted to make changes. I am sure that the bill will make a difference to many people’s lives. However, I would welcome more information on that during the minister’s closing remarks.
As I said, I welcome the bill and the changes that have been made at stages 2 and 3, although I would have liked further progress to be made in some areas. It is vital that the Parliament, whether that is all members or a committee of members, scrutinises the implementation of the bill in the next few years, because we need to know that it has worked for those we are trying to protect and that the sector is truly fit for purpose. I am therefore disappointed that Patrick Harvie’s amendment 83 was defeated this afternoon.
Some members may know that this speech will be my last in the chamber. I have had the unexpected but immense privilege of representing the people of Central Scotland in Parliament for the past five years. I am extremely proud of my record, as the youngest female and the Scottish Labour Party’s only disabled member in Parliament. However, I am most proud of being able to serve my area and my party with my dad by my side. I am delighted that I get to end my contribution to the Parliament with my former boss Ken Macintosh and my dad this afternoon, especially on St Patrick’s day.
I am looking forward to the arrival of my first child in July, spending time with my nine-month-old niece, Sophia, and spending some quality time with my husband, John. I am not sure that he is equally looking forward to that quality time, but we are about to find out.
When I made my maiden speech on 2 June 2011, I quoted from my dad’s maiden speech, as I felt that his words would give me the encouragement that I needed. I have decided to conclude my speech with those same words, as I feel that they are relevant to the debate and to the future of our country. He said:
“It is only right that the first aim of this Parliament is the creation of prosperity for this country. However, if we do not work to ensure that nobody is in any way excluded from access to that prosperity, we will undoubtedly fail the people.”—[Official Report, 16 June 1999; c 438.]
Thank you. [Applause.]