Housing Co-operatives

HC Deb 21 May 1976 vol 911 cc746-7W

Mr. Craigen

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what progress he is making in his discussions with Scottish local authorities over housing co-operatives in Scotland;

(2) whether the rôle of the Housing Corporation's new Co-operative Housing Agency extends to Scotland; and, if so, what plans it has in mind for the immediate future.

Mr. Hugh D. Brown

The Government fully appreciate the need for tenant involvement in housing management to be developed along suitable lines. I propose shortly to issue a consultation paper about tenant participation, including possibilities for housing co-operatives, to the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and other housing organisations in Scotland. The paper will also raise the question of the need for a central source of advice and guidance on cooperatives in Scotland. I would wish to await the outcome of these consultations before commenting on the rôle which the new agency might play in Scotland.