Communities Committee, 05 Oct 2005

Meeting date: Wednesday, October 5, 2005

Official Report 196KB pdf

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Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 (Post-legislative Scrutiny)

Item 3 on the agenda is the committee's approach to post-enactment scrutiny of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001. The clerks circulated a paper over the weekend, which I hope members were able to consider. The paper reflects our discussion at the away day in New Lanark during the summer recess. However, this is probably the first time that the committee's new members have considered our commitments to work on post-enactment scrutiny of the 2001 act. I invite comments from members, particularly on whether they agree with the approach outlined in the briefing paper.

The bullet point in paragraph 8 refers to

"Publication of next fuel poverty statement in 2005."

Is it known when that statement is likely to be made? If we are to consider matters in advance of the statement, I would like to take evidence on, for example, the effect of the recent increases in fuel prices, which might have a serious impact on the Government's targets. We must explore that issue further.

Thank you, Mrs Marwick. My understanding is that the Executive has not indicated when it is likely to publish the fuel poverty statement. Several committee members have a proven track record of interest in that area. I remember that when the Social Justice Committee was considering the bill that became the 2001 act, you and I both lodged amendments on fuel poverty. Other committee members share our concerns about the issue and I am keen to flag it up in our future work programme. Do other members have views on what suggestions in the approach paper we should concentrate on?

The paper recommends that the Scottish Parliament information centre produce a paper. Given the committee's workload, that seems an eminently sensible suggestion, which I support.

I am content with the paper and its proposals, which are a sensible way of proceeding. I look forward to seeing how matters develop.

That is fine. Further to this discussion, detailed approach papers will be submitted for the committee's approval in advance of meetings on the subjects that the paper outlines, but particularly on fuel poverty.

Before closing the meeting, I remind members that they should note in their diaries that the committee will meet on Saturday 29 October to consider our pre-legislative scrutiny work on the proposed planning bill. That will be a big event in the chamber. I hope that everybody, particularly the new committee members, has the date in their diaries. A briefing will be sent by e-mail to members during the recess. I hope that you all have a productive and enjoyable October recess.

Meeting closed at 11:27.