Chamber and committees

The new open-market shared equity pilot scheme (OMSEP) was launched in January 2008. The scheme is now available in ten local authority areas where there are affordability problems for first time buyers caused by a shortage in housing supply. OMSEP includes a number of changes which have been made as a result of the findings of the evaluation of the former open-market Homestake pilot scheme to improve the targeting of the new scheme.

The Scottish Government wishes to test the operation of the new pilot scheme in different types of urban and rural pressured housing markets before considering expanding the number of areas where the scheme operates.

The new open market shared equity pilot scheme (OMSEP) was developed on the basis of the findings of the Scottish Government''s evaluation of the former open market Homestake pilot scheme. In particular, a number of changes have been made to improve the targeting of the scheme. We are closely monitoring progress in the operation of the new scheme and will make amendments where appropriate. On 19 August 2008, we increased the maximum (threshold) prices for properties which can be purchased through OMSEP to give first time buyers a wider choice of properties which they can purchase through the scheme.

A full evaluation of the scheme, along with the new supply shared equity scheme, will be carried out by the end of 2010.

The previous open market Homestake pilot scheme was replaced in January 2008 by a new open market shared equity pilot scheme (OMSEP), which forms part of the Scottish Government''s low-cost initiative for first time buyers. OMSEP is principally targeted at allowing first time buyers on low to moderate incomes to access entry-level home ownership. However, it can also be accessed by others, such as people with disabilities whose current home does not suit their needs or people who have a experienced a significant change in their household circumstances.

The criteria used by registered social landlords to determine eligibility for OMSEP are set out in the grant procedures for the scheme. A copy of these procedures along with details of current threshold prices for OMSEP, which are the maximum prices of property which may be purchased in each region where the scheme operates, is available on the Scottish Government website at:

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/Housing/Buying Selling/lift/.

Setting and assessing examinations in Scotland is the responsibility of the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). SQA have fair and robust systems in place to ensure that, as far as is possible, candidates are not disadvantaged through illness or other circumstances which prevent them from sitting the external exam.

To ensure the credibility of SQA awards, the absentee and appeals procedures, which are identical, are based upon scrutiny of a candidate''s actual demonstrated evidence of attainment by professional teaching and subject experts appointed as SQA Examiners.

The District Court buildings at St. Andrew Street and Turnbull Street are scheduled to transfer to the Scottish Court Service (SCS) in December 2008. Both buildings have considerable backlog maintenance problems and require substantial investment. SCS is therefore currently carrying out an evaluation of the most suitable options for the future delivery of summary business currently carried out in these buildings that will maximise value for money.

The Scottish Legal Complaints Commission is responsible for setting the levy. Therefore, any questions about this should be directed to the Commission.

Two new stipendiary magistrates commenced their full-time appointments on Monday 1 September 2008. There are no vacancies at Glasgow District Court.

Glasgow District Court employs four full-time and three relief stipendiary magistrates.

This is a matter for Glasgow District Court.

Following set up, the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission is responsible for its own budget. Questions on these matters should be addressed to the commission.