John Wilson

5 Jul 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether the review of affordable housing will take into account the remuneration levels currently earned by the directors and senior management of registered social landlords.

Answer · Stewart Maxwell: The Scottish Government’s reviewof social housing is considering how registered social landlords, as independentorganisations, can be encouraged to achieve better value for money in their operationsas a whole.</p>

5 Jul 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to direct Communities Scotland to undertake a detailed investigation into the activities of the social housing repairs firm, Mears Group, and its Scottish subsidiary, Laidlaw Scott Ltd, given that the Housing Corporation has launched an investigation into Mears Group in…

Answer · Stewart Maxwell: Communities Scotland’s powersof intervention, contained in the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001, relate onlyto social landlords. It would, however, expect any registered social landlord orlocal authority to investigate and deal appropriately with any concerns or a…

5 Jul 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ask Glasgow Housing Association to make the stock condition report by FPD Savills available to the Parliament and the wider public.

Answer · Stewart Maxwell: The FPD Savills valuation of the housing stock and related assets transferred to Glasgow Housing Associationwas released in May 2006 by the Scottish Government, following a request underthe Freedom of Information legislation. It is available on request throug…

27 Jun 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether the review of affordable housing will take into account the earned income of those dependent on rented accommodation.

Answer · Stewart Maxwell: The Scottish Government’s reviewof social housing is considering how to ensure that social housing remains affordablefor those in work and earning low incomes.</p>

27 Jun 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it intends to make a detailed submission to the Office of Fair Trading’s investigation into the housebuilding industry.

Answer · Stewart Maxwell: The Scottish government welcomesthe OFT study which will examine an area of importance to both the economy and theindividual house-buyer. While the main focus of the investigation will be on thehouse building industry in England, there are obvious parallels w…

27 Jun 2007 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive how many planning applications in the North Lanarkshire Council area were subject to further investigation by the Executive in (a) 2005 and (b) 2006.

Answer · Stewart Stevenson: Five planning applications werecalled-in by Scottish ministers in 2005 and three planning applications in 2006.</p>