Official Report 329KB pdf
Private Landlord Registration (Information and Fees) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2006 (SSI 2006/28)
The amendment regulations were laid on 26 January 2006 and are subject to the negative procedure. The regulations do not comply with the 21-day rule, whereby negative instruments should be laid before Parliament not less than 21 days before they are due to come into force. In correspondence, the minister has justified that on the basis that the regulations are an integral part of the registration scheme, which is due to take effect from 31 March 2006. A letter from the Executive, which has been issued to members, explains in detail the reasons why the Executive considered it necessary to breach the 21-day rule.
I have a positive comment: I am glad that the fee will be a standard one, because there was difficulty when there was no standard fee for houses in multiple occupancy.
The committee would welcome the introduction of a standard fee, as we took evidence on that very subject. Under the circumstances, the Executive's explanation of why it breached the rule is satisfactory.
Therefore, in its report to Parliament, the committee will make no recommendations on the regulations. I ask members to agree that we report to the Parliament on our decision on the regulations. Are we agreed?
Before we end today's meeting, I advise the committee that we are losing Jenny Goldsmith, who has been a very good servant to the committee as one of our assistant clerks. She is abandoning us for the joys of the Environment and Rural Development Committee. She will be sadly missed by all of us who have benefited from her assistance and expertise over the past year or so. On behalf of the committee, I wish Jenny well.
Hear, hear.
Meeting closed at 12:40.