§ Mr. GorrieTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals he has to ensure that enough ground floor dwellings remain in public sector housing to enable houses adapted for occupation by people with disabilities to be provided to those who need them. [68534]
§ Mr. MacdonaldA range of policies is in place with the aim of ensuring adequate housing provision in the future for people with disabilities.
All new housing funded by Scottish Homes will have to be built to barrier free standards that are contained within the Agency's new housing design guidance. We have also proposed amendments to the building regulations for all new dwellings which will address issues such as access, the provision of a downstairs WC, corridor and door widths, turning circles, sockets and switches.
There are a number of safeguards within the right-to-buy provisions to enable local authorities to retain houses required for specific purposes. Under Section 61(4) of the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987, the right to 660W buy does not apply to groups of houses provided with facilities designed or adapted for the needs of elderly or disabled people. These properties are generally known as sheltered housing.
Section 69 of the Act allows public sector landlords to apply to the Secretary of State for permission to refuse to sell individual houses with features suitable for occupation by persons of pensionable age. Such houses must have facilities which are substantially different to those of an ordinary house.
From 1 July 1999 this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.