Meeting of the Parliament 27 February 2025
As has been mentioned, Mr Fraser and I are discussing his amendments to the Housing (Scotland) Bill, and we will pick up and discuss that issue.
There is a recognition of concerns about misselling, which can have a significant impact on individuals. We have heard about some similar cases coming through. Consumer protection policy on advocacy and advice is devolved to the Scottish Government, and we promote services to residents locally. Policy on redress and enforcement is reserved to the UK Government, so we are limited by the action that it takes in that area. That might be a matter on which I can write to my UK equivalent.
On access to justice, we are keen to support residents, and I continue to listen to the views of constituents, as well as those that have been expressed in the debate today. Residents can get support from Advice Direct Scotland and trading standards services. Issues about site licensing can be raised with the local authority.
Mr Fraser and I will be discussing the issue of transferring disputes under the Mobile Homes Act 1983 from the sheriff court to the First-tier Tribunal. Mr Fraser has lodged an amendment on that, and we will discuss it next week.
On the 10 per cent commission chargeable under the implied terms that govern the sale of a home, research in England has suggested that a reduction could have an impact on the viability of smaller parks. The point that Mr Ross made on that is very important. We have to strike a balance. It, of course, concerns the viability of the parks, but it is also about protecting residents.
I thank Murdo Fraser for securing today’s debate, and I thank members for what I think has been a very consensual debate. I commend SCOPHRA for its support to residents, and I look forward to meeting its representatives again. I also thank SCOPHRA for its proactive and collaborative work with stakeholders. It has worked with the Scottish Government—for example, in meetings with the Law Society of Scotland and in feeding back to local authorities on licensing issues—and I was pleased to contribute to its conference last year. I look forward to meeting Mr Fraser later this week and to working with SCOPHRA in the future.
13:44 Meeting suspended.