HC Deb 08 July 1986 vol 101 cc115-6W
Mr. Henderson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has completed his policy review of the Scottish Special Housing Association; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Rifkind

In accordance with arrangements applying to all non-departmental public bodies, I have now carried out a review of the Scottish Special Housing Association. I am satisfied that it is doing a worthwhile job and that it has an important and continuing contribution to make to the management and provision of public sector housing in Scotland. I have therefore set for it the following main objectives to guide its work over the next five years:

  1. i. to continue to assist authorities to meet local housing needs, primarily by (a) managing its own stock effectively; and (b) contributing towards the provision of special needs accommodation;
  2. ii. to recognise tenants' aspirations for home ownership and, where possible, to give priority to transfer of its assets from the public to the private sector, in order to break up single tenure estates and enhance diversity and choice of tenure;
  3. iii. to promote and demonstrate innovative developments in the management and provision of public sector housing;
  4. iv. to promote tenant involvement in the management of the estates in which they live;
  5. v. to minimise the demands it makes on public housing resources, both capital and revenue;
  6. vi. to offer value for money in all its operations and services.

At the same time, I have been conscious of the need to look at the wider context of overall housing activity in Scotland over which the Government exercise control. There is common ground among the main bodies concerned and there have been changes in housing patterns following the successful pursuit of this Government's housing objectives. I therefore propose that active consideration should be given to the early promotion of a closer working relationship between the SSHA and the Housing Corporation in Scotland. If this proves fruitful, a full merger in the longer term may be a desirable option. A consultation paper will be issued as soon as specific proposals have been developed for consideration.

Copies of the policy review report have been placed in the Library of the House.

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