HC Deb 01 December 1998 vol 321 cc142-3W
Mr. Gorrie

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland for what reasons his Department is proposing a voluntary code of practice for the management of complexes of retirement flats owned by their occupants. [61083]

Mr. Macdonald

Following representations to Ministers about the management of some owner occupied sheltered housing developments, the Scottish Office convened a meeting of interested parties in July 1996. At the meeting, representatives of developers, management companies, owners and other organisations such as Age Concern Scotland and the Scottish Consumer Council, agreed that a working group should be established to consider a voluntary code that would set out a framework for good practice in the management of owner occupied sheltered housing developments.

Mr. Gorrie

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if the voluntary code of practice for the management of complexes of retirement flats owned by their occupants will include provisions relating to(a) major repair funds, (b) complaint procedures, (c) terms in deeds of conditions, (d) adherence to these conditions and (e) the implementation of an arbiter's award by managing agents. [61084]

Mr. Macdonald

The detailed provisions of the proposed voluntary code of management practice are still under consideration by the working group established by the Scottish Office. However, it is currently envisaged that there would be clauses relating to major repair funds and complaints procedures. The terms of deeds of conditions, adherence to these conditions and the implementation of awards by arbiters are essentially legal matters to be resolved between the parties concerned.

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