Housing Co-operatives (Hansard, 3 June 1992)

§ Mr. McMaster
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he takes to ensure that the housing co-operative sector is fully consulted on matters which concern it; and if he wil make a statement.

§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
Housing co-operatives are represented by the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations and the Confederation of Scottish Housing Co-operatives, a forum within the federation. Scottish Homes consults regularly with the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations.

§ Mr. McMaster
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made to expand the number of housing co-operatives and other tenant-led initiatives in Scotland and if he will make a statement.

§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
My right hon. Friend is committed to supporting housing co-operatives and other tenant-led initiatives since they give tenants a greater say in the management of their housing. This commitment has been demonstrated through the substantial resources devoted to the finance of housing associations and housing co-operatives since 1979, particularly since the establishment of Scottish Homes in 1989. Since 1 April 1989, housing co-operatives have totalled 40 per cent. of new housing association registrations and now represent 16 per cent. of registered housing associations compared to 11 per cent. in 1989.

§ Mr. McMaster
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he has taken to ensure that the housing co-operative sector is represented on the board of Scottish Homes; and if he will make a statement.

§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
All members of the Scottish Homes board are appointed for their potential personal contribution and not as representatives of586W particular sectional, geographical or political interests. The present board has a mix of expertise and, in considering future appointments, my right hon. Friend's aim will be to achieve the mix appropriate to Scottish Homes' needs at the time. The housing co-operative sector may well contain potential candidates for the board but they will be considered on their merits as individuals, not as representatives of that sector.