§ Sir David SteelTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received concerning private owner-occupied sheltered housing; what help is available to those living in non-regulated or non-registered accommodation; and if he will consider setting up an ombudsman scheme.
§ Mr. LangThe Scottish Office has received a number of representations about private owner-occupied sheltered housing, most of which have alleged a lack of control over managing companies and agents operating these developments. These representations are essentially about contractual issues between the parties concerned and it would be inappropriate for the Government to intervene. Independent legal advice should be sought in such cases.
Details of various cases have been passed to the Scottish law Commission which is considering particular aspects of sheltered housing in connection with its work on the abolition of the feudal system and the law of the tenement. We shall study carefully any recommendations that the commission may make.