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The Scottish Executive role in implementation
Timescales
8. We are currently planning a detailed implementation timetable in the light of available resources and other issues, such as the inter-relationships among parts of the Act. Implementation will broadly take place over the period 2007 to 2008. Relevant sections of the Act will be brought into force at the appropriate times. Further details on timescales are given below.
Consultation and information dissemination
9. In developing the detail of implementation action, including subordinate legislation, the Executive will seek to work with stakeholders, including local authorities, although the ultimate power to make decisions rests with Ministers. For example, the Executive intends to seek the views of stakeholders on the development of guidance and statutory directions in relation to the new powers for local authorities contained in Parts 1 and 7 of the Act. The Executive will have to take decisions on the allocation and distribution of the funding available for the implementation of the Act. In doing so it will take account of stakeholders' views. The Executive has allocated £10 million per annum up to 2007-08 to support the implementation of the Housing Improvement Task Force recommendations, and it is expected that a proportion of this will be used to assist local authorities with costs arising from the implementation of the Bill, such as start-up staffing and training.
10. Where appropriate, there will be public consultation on proposals. Any changes effected through new legislation will be publicised and clearly explained to the public and stakeholders. Local authorities and other public landlords will be expected to play a role in information dissemination.
Implementation responsibilities
11. Implementation work will be divided between teams in the Housing and Regeneration Group ( HAR) of the Scottish Executive and Communities Scotland. As explained below, Communities Scotland will deal with the implementation of the sections of the Act dealing with Housing Renewal Areas; Local Housing Strategies; the tolerable standard; repair, improvement and demolition of houses; maintenance; the new scheme of assistance; the provision of the Purchaser's Information Pack and single survey on the sale of a house; and repayment charges. Staff within HAR will deal with the repairing standard for private rented housing; the right to adapt rented houses; schemes to protect tenancy deposits; the licensing of houses in multiple occupation ( HMOs); mobile homes; and miscellaneous provisions of the Act. HAR will also deal with action to commence the various parts of the Act. Overall policy responsibility lies ultimately with Ministers.
12. The Executive will introduce transitional provisions and savings where these are appropriate for legislation that is repealed or modified by the Act, particularly in relation to processes that are already underway before commencement dates. For example, provision will have to be made for the continuation of Housing Action Areas that are underway when Housing Renewal Areas are introduced.
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