Official Report 504KB pdf
Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 (Assistance to Registered Social Landlords and Other Persons) (Grants) Amendment Regulations 2013 (SSI 2013/7)
Agenda item 5 is consideration of a Scottish statutory instrument that is subject to the negative procedure. The instrument will amend the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 (Assistance to Registered Social Landlords and Other Persons) (Grants) Amendment Regulations 2004, otherwise known as the 2004 regulations, which provide the mechanics for several grant schemes that are operated by local authorities.
On the issue that we discussed before the meeting started, I know that there is a problem technically in that the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities has not been consulted. Is it possible to find out from COSLA whether it feels that the two local authorities that were consulted represent its views? We may want to draw it to Parliament’s attention that the matter was not proceeded with correctly, but there is no point in delaying the instrument if everyone is happy.
I agree. That is common sense. We can ask COSLA whether it has an issue before we make an issue of it.
I am certainly happy to go down that road. I have no desire to deny the Government its policy intent; I am just concerned to ensure that we deal with the matter correctly. I understand the Government’s position, in that it consulted on the previous instrument and consequently believes that it has, in effect, consulted on this one. If there is a loophole, we need to be cautious and to ensure that everybody moves forward at the same pace.
Okay. Do members agree to seek a written submission from COSLA and from the Scottish Government, which we will, I hope, review and make a determination on at our meeting next week?