HC Deb 23 February 1999 vol 326 cc172-3
9. Mr. Ian Davidson (Glasgow, Pollok)

If he will make a statement on the development of community ownership of housing in Glasgow. [70828]

The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Donald Dewar)

Glasgow city council is currently conducting a feasibility study of options for the possible transfer of the council's housing stock into community ownership.

From 1 July, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

Mr. Davidson

I welcome any prospect of additional money for Scottish housing in general and Glasgow in particular. I welcome also the Government's enthusiasm for the community ownership of housing. Does the Secretary of State agree, however, that it is important that any new tenants who go into community housing do so willingly and do not feel that they have been bribed or bludgeoned into doing so?

Does my right hon. Friend accept that, if there is to be any new money for Scottish housing, that money should be available whatever the result of any ballots about transfer of ownership, whether people choose to stay with the local authority, go to community housing or go somewhere else? Does he agree that it is essential that there are no rigged ballots for disposing of Scottish housing in future?

Mr. Dewar

I do not accept the implication that there have been rigged ballots. "Rigged" is a rather serious word to use. I am glad that my hon. Friend welcomes the emphasis on community ownership. It is an exciting initiative. It is only one option open to local government, which is at the absolute centre of the housing partnerships on which we are working.

I stress that not only does a local authority have to agree before a community ownership scheme can be set up, but the decision must be endorsed by tenants. It is important that any ballot is conducted on the basis of full information so that tenants have the opportunity to assess exactly what kind of tenancy agreement and rent policy would result. I am interested not in railroading anyone into that decision, but in taking an exciting new approach to housing and providing an opportunity to deal with the problem of residual debt, while involving tenants in managing their own affairs.

I am sure that my hon. Friend will take pleasure—as I have—in the enormously positive response of the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations, the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, Shelter and many other organisations to the recently published Green Paper.