Chamber and committees

Good morning, minister and officials. When I spoke to the councils about the regulations, some of them said that they will raise a substantial amount in revenue from additional taxes, but some said that they will raise nothing or will have much less. Has the minister considered that the regulations may create a huge disparity between different council areas? How should the revenue that is generated be spent, and should it be ring fenced?

Thanks.

Thank you.

Thank you for that response, but councils are going through really challenging times. I have, over the past couple of weeks, had the opportunity to speak to many council representatives who have spoken about budget cuts and pressures.

More than 200,000 people are on the social housing waiting list, including 100,000 children. What should the Scottish Government do that is different, in order to ensure that those lists are drastically reduced? You mentioned that you are looking at councils, but the councils are looking to the Scottish Government for support and help. Do you feel that there is anything that the Scottish Government could do differently?

Thank you, convener. Good morning, panel. I have two supplementary questions. You mentioned 14 councils. Three councils have declared a housing emergency so far, and many are breaking statutory duties every day. Is it time for the Scottish Government to declare a housing emergency?

May I come back in with a supplementary question, please?

It is great to hear that you are doing so much stuff, Mr Cameron, but, earlier this year, the UK Government passed Awaab’s law in memory of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who died in 2020 due to poor housing conditions, to force social landlords to fix damp and mould within strict limits. Should similar legislation be passed in Scotland?

Thank you.

The Verity house agreement will, hopefully, relax a lot of the ring fencing of funding for local authorities. In this area, do you propose to ring fence the money in order that it can be spent in certain ways, or is it completely up to local authorities whether they take it on and how they spend it?

Following on from what Willie Coffey said about what the buildings are constructed of, I note that we need to see not just what they are constructed of, but whether they are compatible with the new regulations on electric vehicle charging points, whether they are provided in an underground car park or one that is right next to the building. We need to consider the application of new technologies and whether the construction and materials of buildings are suitable.