Tuesday 27 September 2011

Public consultation on Property Factors (Scotland) Act 'Code of Conduct'

The Scottish Government has launched 12-week consultation on a proposed statutory Code of Conduct, to be made under the Property Factors (Scotland) Act 2011, which was passed by the Scottish Parliament earlier this year.

Property managers administer communal areas, roofs and stairwells in an estimated 225,000 flats and tenements across Scotland. Land maintenance companies look after the common green space on many new housing estates. The act, which comes into force no later than October 1, 2012, aims to provide protection for homeowners in Scotland who receive services from property factors.

Compulsory registration for all property factors and a tribunal based dispute resolution process for homeowners will be introduced.

Minister for Housing and Transport, Keith Brown said: "Property managers have an important role to play in maintaining and improving housing stock condition and open space. While the majority of property factors provide a good, effective service, the Scottish Parliament voiced concerns about how some property and land management services are delivered".

"The act will provide protection for homeowners in Scotland who receive services and the code of conduct is a central element of that act. “I would urge everyone with an interest in this important issue to respond to the consultation.”

During the consultation period the Scottish Government will hold a series of consultation workshops for property factors and for homeowners and members of the public. The act was introduced as a member’s bill drafted by GLC on behalf of Glasgow MSP, Patricia Ferguson. The Scottish Government supported the bill and worked with Ms Ferguson to make the legislation as effective as possible.

The consultation will run from Monday 26 September until Friday 16 December.

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Monday 12 September 2011

GLC's Principal Solicitor wins Solicitor of the Year

This years Solicitor of the Year award has been given to Govan Law Centre's Mike Dailly at a gathering at the Hilton in Glasgow last week.

The prestigious award was determined by an independent panel of Scottish judges, chaired by former Secretary of State for Defence, the Rt Hon Lord Browne.  Mike is now the only solicitor to have won the award twice, having previously won in 2007.

The award for Legal Personality of the Year was given to Maggie Scott QC and Legal Academic of the Year went to the late Elaine Tyre. The 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Lord Rodger of Earlsferry who sadly passed away earlier this year.
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Sunday 11 September 2011

Heather goes to Holyrood

Heather MacKay
Govan Law Centre solicitor, Heather Mackay, has commenced a three month personal sabbatical to take part in an internship programme with the Scottish Liberal Democrats in Edinburgh.

During her internship, Heather will gain experience working in the Scottish political process and will have the opportunity to further understand the system of law-making in Scotland. Heather will be spending time in Holyrood and local parliamentary constituency offices.

Heather said: "This is a fantastic opportunity and I am extremely excited to be able to take part in the internship programme. I am looking forward to putting the skills and experiences I acquire to good use upon my return to Govan Law Centre in December.". 

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