§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the legal status of the Wigtown housing association and its membership; what funds have been provided to it from public sources; and if he will make a statement. [15816]
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonIn developing proposals for the transfer of its housing stock to a locally based housing association, Wigtown district council has supported the formation of Wigtown housing association. I understand that the steering group of Wigtown housing association has recently applied for registration as a friendly society in terms of the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1965. It expects to apply in due course for registration with Scottish Homes. Current membership578W proposals are for a voluntary board of management with 16 members, comprising three local authority members, six tenants and seven other local people with the skills necessary to run such an organisation.
I understand that the council intends to apply for the consent of the Secretary of State, in terms of section 25 of the Local Government Act 1988, to provide financial assistance towards the new association's setting-up costs.
§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what request he has received from Wigtown district council regarding the transfer of its housing stock to a housing association; what response he has made; and if he will make a statement. [15814]
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonWigtown district council has not yet applied to the Secretary of State for consent to transfer its housing stock to a locally based housing association, although I am aware that the council is currently developing proposals in consultation with tenants. The Secretary of State is generally sympathetic to requests from local authorities to transfer housing stock; each case is considered on it merits and must command the support of the tenants involved.
§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received concerning the proposed transfer of housing stock by Wigtown district council to a housing association; if the council has drawn to his attention potential conflicts of interest; what has been his response; and if he will make a statement. [15815]
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe Secretary of State has received six representations from two individuals on a range of issues connected with the proposed transfer of Wigtown district council's housing stock, including the potential for conflict of interest.
The question of conflict of interest is primarily a matter for the council to address. The council is aware that it will have to take steps to avoid any conflict of interest, particularly in the context of discussions of financial arrangements, which may arise in the stock transfer process.
§ Mr. McAllionTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he plans to publish his revised guidance to local authorities relating to large-scale voluntary transfers of their housing stock; and if he will take steps to prevent authorities with special reference to Wigtown district council carrying through such transfers before the guidance has been published. [16821]
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonI expect that revised guidance to local authorities on large-scale voluntary transfers of housing stock will be issued by early summer. This will replace advice issued in 1988 which currently guides local authorities transferring stock. There is no reason why Wigtown district council should not seek to develop proposals for a transfer of stock before publication of the revised guidance.