Chamber and committees

The new open market shared equity pilot scheme (OMSEP) was developed on the basis of the findings of the Scottish Government''s evaluation of the former open market Homestake pilot scheme. In particular, a number of changes have been made to improve the targeting of the scheme. We are closely monitoring progress in the operation of the new scheme and will make amendments where appropriate. On 19 August 2008, we increased the maximum (threshold) prices for properties which can be purchased through OMSEP to give first time buyers a wider choice of properties which they can purchase through the scheme.

A full evaluation of the scheme, along with the new supply shared equity scheme, will be carried out by the end of 2010.

Setting and assessing examinations in Scotland is the responsibility of the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). SQA have fair and robust systems in place to ensure that, as far as is possible, candidates are not disadvantaged through illness or other circumstances which prevent them from sitting the external exam.

To ensure the credibility of SQA awards, the absentee and appeals procedures, which are identical, are based upon scrutiny of a candidate''s actual demonstrated evidence of attainment by professional teaching and subject experts appointed as SQA Examiners.

The District Court buildings at St. Andrew Street and Turnbull Street are scheduled to transfer to the Scottish Court Service (SCS) in December 2008. Both buildings have considerable backlog maintenance problems and require substantial investment. SCS is therefore currently carrying out an evaluation of the most suitable options for the future delivery of summary business currently carried out in these buildings that will maximise value for money.

This is a matter for Glasgow District Court.

Glasgow District Court employs four full-time and three relief stipendiary magistrates.

The Scottish Legal Complaints Commission is responsible for setting the levy. Therefore, any questions about this should be directed to the Commission.

Two new stipendiary magistrates commenced their full-time appointments on Monday 1 September 2008. There are no vacancies at Glasgow District Court.

A budget of £2,000,000 was allocated for setting up the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission (SLCC). At present, the total set up costs are not yet known, but are expected to be within budget. Other than set up, the Scottish Government is not responsible for funding the commission. Questions about budget and running costs should therefore be addressed to the SLCC.

In setting up the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission (SLCC), the Scottish Government has used companies on the Office of Government Commerce contracts list for furniture and fit-out and for IT equipment. There was a competitive tendering exercise undertaken for the SLCC''s new case management system.

Following set up, the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission is responsible for its own budget. Questions on these matters should be addressed to the commission.