§ Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what measures he is taking to encourage transfer of local authority housing stock to housing associations. [3718]
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§ Mr. Raymond S. RobertsonEarlier this year, the Scottish Office issued draft guidance on housing stock transfers to local authorities and other interested parties for comments. The comments received are currently being considered and the final guidance will be issued shortly.
Over the summer, in meetings with housing conveners of Scottish local authorities, I encouraged them to examine the benefits that housing transfers can offer. Scottish Office officials have also been available to discuss the implications of stock transfer with individual authorities.
In addition, a working group has been set up to look at the regulation and monitoring of new social landlords, such as local housing companies. The group, which comprises representatives from Scottish Homes, the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations, the Chartered Institute of Housing in Scotland and funders, is due to hold its first meeting in early December.