Housing (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1

Part of the debate – in the Scottish Parliament at 4:46 pm on 23 June 2010.

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Photo of Alex Neil Alex Neil Scottish National Party 4:46, 23 June 2010

The problem is that housing benefit is a reserved matter and what we can legislate on is restricted. However, I am prepared to consider anything that is within our powers. When we publish the private rented sector bill, we will take into account the points of view that have been expressed in this debate and in the consultation. We are considering enforcement, and we will include in our forthcoming bill additional provisions for more robust enforcement.

I say to Ted Brocklebank that I have, as he knows, regular discussions with him and other MSPs who have a particular interest in the HMO legislation. As he knows, we have already laid the statutory instrument to implement part 5 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 by the end of August. That will be a significant landmark in making progress towards ensuring that HMOs are properly policed, controlled and regulated. [Interruption.]