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STEWARDSHIP AND RESPONSIBILITY: A Policy Framework for Private Housing in Scotland
FOREWORD
More than six out of ten households in Scotland now own their own homes and the private rented sector still plays a small but significant role. The condition of housing in the private sector is, therefore, crucially important for the quality of life of most Scots. In recognition of this, when we set out our priorities for the second half of this Parliament in ' Working for Scotland' we gave a commitment to 'address the significant problems of housing quality in the private sector through a Task Force'. In publishing this report, I am pleased to say that we have honoured that commitment.
The Task Force was given a broad remit and the time and resources to explore this remit thoroughly. Its first report ' Issues in Improving Quality in Private Housing' published for consultation in March 2002, set out its findings on the key issues and challenges facing the sector. It was widely welcomed as a good example of bringing together the necessary evidence to develop sound policies.
This, its second report, presents the Task Force's recommendations on how conditions, standards and the overall quality of housing across the sector - owner occupation and private renting - can be improved. The report sets out an agenda for the development of new legislation and policies, improved working practices and better information provision for owner-occupiers, intending house buyers, private tenants and private landlords. It also examines the role of local authorities and makes recommendations for modernising their powers and improving the way they engage with private sector housing.
I congratulate the Task Force for the open, participatory way it has carried out its work. Publishing all its working material on a special website has allowed access to its debates. It commissioned a series of workshops that gave a wide range of interested parties an opportunity to contribute to its thinking and, very importantly, it consulted a number of 'equalities groups' to ensure that their particular needs and interests were mainstreamed within its considerations and recommendations.
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all members of the Task Force for their contribution over the last two years, to the co-opted members of the Task Force sub-groups, to those who responded to the consultation documents it published and to the many others who have helped to shape the report's recommendations. I believe that this report will be an important source of ideas and options for policy development well into the future.
Margaret Curran, MSP
Minister for Social Justice
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