FINES FOR ROGUE LANDLORDS SHOULD STAY IN SCOTLAND

 

FINES FOR ROGUE LANDLORDS SHOULD STAY IN SCOTLAND

 

MSP CALLS ON NEW SCOTTISH SECRETARY TO KEEP MONEY IN SCOTLAND

 

With legislation coming forward in the Scottish Government's Housing (Scotland) Bill to increase the maximum fines for rogue landlords from £5000 to £20,000 Glasgow SNP MSP, Bob Doris – Deputy Convener of the Scottish Parliament's Local Government and Communities Committee – has called for the proceeds of those fines to remain within Scotland instead of going to the Treasury as they would under current rules.

 

Commenting Mr Doris said:

 

"The money from fines on rogue landlords in Scotland should be invested in Scottish housing, not sent to the Treasury.

 

”With maximum fines to increase from £5000 to £20,000 when the new housing bill is passed this is the perfect opportunity for those fines to be allocated to Scotland. That is why I am writing to the new Scottish Secretary asking him to look at this suggestion and allow these fines to remain in Scotland for the good of Scotland.

 

“This money could then be used to finance further prosecutions, to further police and improve the housing sector and allow local authorities to recover costs.  At present prosecutions could leave local authorities out of pocket

 

“Dealing with rogue landlords is important to ensure that people can have confidence in the rented sector and that those who abuse the system are forced to pay for their actions.

 

"The Scottish Government and local authorities have already taken action to police the sector and at the end of March 1365 late application fees and 1249 rent penalty notices had been applied by councils to crack down on rogue landlords. This change - alongside an increase in the fine - could help councils keep even tighter control on landlords across Scotland.”