3. To ask the Scottish Government when it last met the head of housing services at Fife Council and what was discussed. (S6O-02254)

The head of housing services at Fife Council last met the Scottish Government in September of last year. Matters concerning the supply of affordable housing are high on the Scottish Government’s agenda and on the agendas of our local authority partners, and the discussion in question considered those matters and related issues relevant to Fife Council.

I plan to meet Fife Council in the near future to continue those discussions.

There are some 126 council house properties in my Cowdenbeath constituency that have been recorded on Fife Council’s mould and dampness survey. Although Fife Council initially told me that remedial action would be taken by May of this year, sadly that timetable has slipped, with no date at all having been set for completion of the remedial works. Does the minister consider that to be a satisfactory position for my constituents, who continue to live in unacceptable conditions? What can he do to quicken the necessary action?

I am sorry to hear of the issues that Annabelle Ewing’s constituents face. Damp and mould in housing is a serious issue, so it is vital that landlords be proactive in identifying such issues and in taking action to treat the root causes.

Although it is welcome to hear that Fife Council has committed to taking remedial action, it is of concern that the timeframe for it has slipped. I hope that the council has kept tenants up to date and that it is communicating its plans for resolving the issues effectively and in a timely manner. I will take up the matter with Fife Council and will provide Annabelle Ewing with an update.

The minister knows that I am keen for action to be taken to halt the huge growth in short-term lets in my constituency. Although I did not support the licensing scheme, I think that the control areas could make a significant difference. I think that Fife Council is dragging its feet and that the time that it has set in that regard is far too late. Therefore, when the minister speaks to Fife Council, will he have a discussion about the timescale for implementing the control areas?

I was glad to meet Mr Rennie during the week to discuss housing issues in Fife.

The Scottish Government gave powers to local authorities in relation to short-term let control areas, so it is up to them to discuss any such decisions. I think that the council will get back to Mr Rennie on that.