The Projects Section is responsible for monitoring the condition of the older private housing stock, taking statutory action where funding permits, assisting with decanting from affected property and advising on housing grants.
Statutory Action
Despite new legislation to make it easier for owners to carry out repairs to their property where a majority of owners are in agreement, there are still situations where work cannot proceed.
In these circumstances it is possible that the City Council may serve a statutory notice (Section 108 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987) that requires necessary work to be undertaken. This type of action is carried out on a programmed basis due to the level of funding required.
Where the owners are unable or unwilling to organise the work the Council may undertake the work and issue accounts to the owners on completion.
Works that are undertaken in this manner will be subject to grant assistance and an application form will be issued at a public meeting to discuss the project.
The Scottish Government has been considering the future of Private Housing in Scotland and The Housing (Scotland) Act received Royal Assent in January 2006. The Scottish Government and Communities Scotland are currently preparing guidance for Local Authorities and expect to put this out for consultation in January 2008. full implementation of the Act is expected between Autumn 2008 and Spring 2009.
The Act gives Local Authorities new powers to deal with disrepair, lack of maintenance and wider area renewal powers. In addition the Act removes the mandatory link to grant assistance but introduces mandatory assistance that may or may not include grant.
Programme of Major Repairs
Under current legislation, when the budget is announced:
- a number of properties are selected for consideration for inclusion in the programme
- surveyors are appointed to carry out thorough surveys
- a schedule of disrepair is drafted accompanied by a budget cost
- a meeting is then held with all interested parties - owners/ tenants to discuss:
- the proposals
- start dates
- grant aid
- decanting - if required
- length of contract
For financial year 2007/8 a number of properties are subject to action. A programme of work has been agreed and sanctioned by the City Council. A list of properties affected are noted below:
For further information please contact:
Projects Section
Phone: 0141 287 8541 or 0141 287 8562
E-mail: enquirypshg@drs.glasgow.gov.uk