Chamber and committees

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-28126 on 27 October 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx. pilo

Under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 the then Scottish Executive decided to phase out the section 54 (Tax Relief) grant paid to non charitable housing associations, including housing co-operatives, to assist with corporation tax liability incurred on operating surpluses on eligible activities. This phasing out took place between 2001 and 2005. To mitigate the loss of grant housing associations sought charitable status and the fiscal benefits that status brings. Co-operatives were the only part of the RSL sector excluded from gaining charitable status at that time. Only 14 of the original 31 housing co-operatives registered in 2001 remain. The negative implications of the section 54 withdrawal has been a prime factor in leading to this reduction.

The Home Owners'' Support Fund has helped 243 households since 1 April 2009. This is an increase on last year when a total of 233 cases were settled. Over £30 million of the £35 million made available for the Fund over two years has been spent so far. The remainder of the budget is on track to be fully utilised by the end of the financial year.

The breakdown of this figure into the various cost elements to arrive at the final purchase piece will vary from site to site and be influenced by location and type of property. Under the procurement process any bids would be assessed to ensure that they offer good value for public money and good quality homes of the right type in suitable locations.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-31159 on 8 February 2010. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-31159 on 8 February 2010. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-31159 on 8 February 2010. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

The, then Scottish Executive published a study in 1999 which looked at the attainments of pupils receiving Gaelic medium primary education in Scotland. The research team was led by Professor Richard Johnstone. More recently, B²rd na G idhlig has commissioned research on the Output of Gaelic Education. This study will seek to update the 1999 study and also explore other areas of context and achievement. This study will be carried out by a team at the University of Edinburgh.

It is for local authorities to plan how best to accommodate the needs of rough sleepers, homeless applicants and waiting list applicants and to consider the availability of appropriate accommodation. Local authorities have developed local housing strategies to respond to local issues. The HL1 form collects data on rough sleeping and homeless applicants which feeds into the analysis carried out by the local authority including its Housing Need and Demand Assessment. This will consider the need for housing supply across all tenures.

The Scottish Government established the Scottish Private Rented Sector Strategy Group to provide advice on the development of a professional, high quality private rented sector. The first phase of the group''s work ended with the publication of its consultation recommendations report. This makes recommendations to ministers on proposals, relating to landlord registration and other issues, which the Group considers should be the subject of public consultation, with a view to their inclusion in primary legislation. We are currently working on a possible consultation. Decisions on legislation would, of course, be dependent on the outcome of a consultation and the availability of a legislative opportunity.