Paul McLennan
Scottish National Party · Scotland
“To ask the Scottish Government what measures it is taking forward in partnership with East Lothian Council, Taylor Wimpey and Hargreaves, to deliver and expand the housing development at Blindwells, which has been classified as a strategic housing site. (S7O- 00129)”
“Scotland has decarbonised its electricity supply faster than almost any other country in Europe has done. More than 90 per cent of our electricity now comes from renewable sources—a transformation that is powered by the wind, waves and tides that shape our East Lothian shores every day.”
“We are at a moment that will define the future that we leave to our children and grandchildren. The science is clear, the evidence is all around us and the window for action is narrowing. Today, red weather warnings for extreme heat have been issued in the south-east of England.”
“Therefore, does he regret his party’s decision to close down nuclear energy in Scotland, which has been a huge contributor to the Scottish economy? Paul McLennan: I will touch on that. I mentioned the need for investment in the green jobs and infrastructure that grow our economy.”
“Paul McLennan: I go back to my point that the broader debate is about ensuring that those who are successful pay their fair share towards the foundations that make that success possible.”
“As the efficient and fair function of Scotland’s justice system is a priority for all in this chamber, does the cabinet secretary agree with me on the importance of the Scottish Sentencing Council and the courts working independently to ensure that objective?”
The complete record
Every one of 431 lines we hold for Paul McLennan, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 9 of 9.
“No child should have to stay in accommodation that negatively affects their health, and it will have been hard for families to share those experiences. The number of children in temporary accommodation is still too high, but our actions are making progress. Our latest statistics show that 20 councils reduced the number of children in temporary accommodation in 2023-24. We have targeted £42 million of funding at the local authorities that have the most sustained pressures, which has supported them to bring 1,000 homes back into use through acquisitions and reducing the number of empty social homes. Miles Briggs: From listening yesterday to the voices of those children, it is clear that many young people are placed in totally unacceptable, poor-quality temporary accommodation. We need the Scottish Government to do more to address that.”
“I also thank SCOPHRA for its proactive and collaborative work with stakeholders. It has worked with the Scottish Government—for example, in meetings with the Law Society of Scotland and in feeding back to local authorities on licensing issues—and I was pleased to contribute to its conference last year. I look forward to meeting Mr Fraser later this week and to working with SCOPHRA in the future. 13:44 Meeting suspended. 14:30 On resuming— Portfolio Question Time Education and Skills”
“Mr Fraser and I will be discussing the issue of transferring disputes under the Mobile Homes Act 1983 from the sheriff court to the First-tier Tribunal. Mr Fraser has lodged an amendment on that, and we will discuss it next week. On the 10 per cent commission chargeable under the implied terms that govern the sale of a home, research in England has suggested that a reduction could have an impact on the viability of smaller parks. The point that Mr Ross made on that is very important. We have to strike a balance. It, of course, concerns the viability of the parks, but it is also about protecting residents. I thank Murdo Fraser for securing today’s debate, and I thank members for what I think has been a very consensual debate. I commend SCOPHRA for its support to residents, and I look forward to meeting its representatives again.”
“There is a recognition of concerns about misselling, which can have a significant impact on individuals. We have heard about some similar cases coming through. Consumer protection policy on advocacy and advice is devolved to the Scottish Government, and we promote services to residents locally. Policy on redress and enforcement is reserved to the UK Government, so we are limited by the action that it takes in that area. That might be a matter on which I can write to my UK equivalent. On access to justice, we are keen to support residents, and I continue to listen to the views of constituents, as well as those that have been expressed in the debate today. Residents can get support from Advice Direct Scotland and trading standards services. Issues about site licensing can be raised with the local authority.”
“Local authorities have a duty to ensure that the needs of disabled residents, whatever their housing circumstances, are met and to offer support under the provisions of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970. We plan to undertake a review of the current housing adaptations system, which will make recommendations on how best to improve and streamline the system and how to better target resources. Douglas Lumsden: Could provisions be changed through the Housing (Scotland) Bill to allow park home residents—who still pay council tax to the local authority, just like everyone else— to have adaptations made, just like other residents? Paul McLennan: As has been mentioned, Mr Fraser and I are discussing his amendments to the Housing (Scotland) Bill, and we will pick up and discuss that issue.”
“Foysol Choudhury talked about some issues concerning storms, and I will touch on what we are considering in that regard, too. I thank other members for the points that they raised. I have talked about what we are planning to do with the licensing scheme. One key thing concerns energy. One of the actions that I will take away from today’s debate is to contact Ofgem about that. There are certain rules and regulations under which site owners should be operating. I will write to Ofgem today, and I am happy to share information with Mr Fraser on the back of that. That is a really important issue. There is guidance from Ofgem on site owners charging only at the price paid for unit energy, plus the standing charge, so site owners cannot profit from charges to residents. We have spoken about adaptations.”
“I have heard concerns directly from SCOPHRA, and I have a mobile home site in my constituency, so I know that there can be issues with sites. The issues that we have heard about today are ones that I have heard from constituents. I have met representatives of SCOPHRA previously, and I am happy to meet SCOPHRA, Mr Fraser or anybody else outwith the bill discussions that we have had. I wish to address a few specific points. I thank Colin Beattie for the work that he has already carried out. He made some points about adaptations and Ofgem, and I will summarise some of those issues. Graeme Dey mentioned the role of local authorities. Oliver Mundell talked about site licensing and misselling—I will come on to site licensing.”
“The Housing (Scotland) Bill, which I will come on to in a second, includes a proposal to update the inflation rate in the 1983 act to CPI. As RPI is typically above CPI, we expect there to be a slower rate of increase in pitch fees once the change comes into force. We are committed to undertaking a post- implementation review of the residential homes site licensing scheme before the end of this parliamentary session, as has been referred to by a few members. What we have heard in the debate today will be part of that discussion on how to address some of the problems. We will consider the issues that have been raised about the operation of the scheme to date. I am aware of the on-going concerns of residents, as highlighted by members today.”
“The Scottish Government provided model standards for local authorities to take into account when setting licensing conditions, as well as guidance to help with the operation of licensing systems and to provide some consistency. Mr Mundell’s point on that is really important. In addition, mobile homes are a consumer purchase, and caravan park owners and operators are subject to consumer protection legislation. It is important to keep protections under review, and we are taking action to do that. We have talked about pitch fee increases, which are regulated by the Mobile Homes Act 1983, so fees do not increase by more than RPI. We have listened to concerns from residents that the gap between RPI and CPI has been greater in recent years, with the effect being that pitch fees are growing faster than pensions income.”
“The licensing system, which was introduced in 2019, provides local authorities with the range of powers that we have talked about to manage and, ultimately, revoke licences for sites that have received planning permission for residential use. A few members have discussed the issue, particularly with regard to Covid, of park homes that have been sold while being misrepresented. I remember a few cases of constituents coming to me because they were in the same situation. They were told that they had to move out for a period and were not aware of that right at the start—that had not been described at the start—so we have to eradicate that problem.”
“On the back of today’s debate, I will write to all local authorities to remind them of the powers that they have. The fit-and-proper-person test has been mentioned a few times. Oliver Mundell: One of my concerns is that a lot of this sits with environmental health. There are good individuals working in that area, but they do not necessarily have the necessary experience, knowledge and housing expertise. Will the minister look at that when he contacts local authorities? Paul McLennan: That is a valid point. It is not just about reminding local authorities of their obligations but about how they implement them. It is fine to have the powers, but are they able to implement them? Licensing is important.”
“Everyone has the right to a safe and secure home, and we are committed to ensuring that those who live on permanent mobile home sites have appropriate rights and protections. I will go into a bit more detail on some of the things that we have talked about. The Mobile Homes Act 1983 and the Caravan Sites Act 1968 were touched on. The 1983 act sets out implied terms that are automatically included in any contract between a permanent resident and a site owner. One of the key things that I have heard today is about how definitive that written statement has been for residents and tenants. The 1968 act protects residents against eviction and harassment. My second point is about the licensing of mobile home site providers. That is one of the key things that I have heard all the way through the debate.”
“I thank Mr Fraser for securing the debate and members for their important contributions and for coming up with some solutions. Mr Fraser and I have met previously on this issue, and he has my commitment that, as well as meeting next week to talk about the bill, we will meet again to discuss the issue. I have also met representatives of SCOPHRA. Mr Fraser has my commitment to on-going discussions. We have heard from a few members about how residential mobile homes are an important housing option, especially for people who want to downsize and enjoy the lifestyle that a park home can offer in retirement. We have also heard that there are about 100 such sites in Scotland, and we have heard from many members that they have park homes in their constituencies.”
“The 2025-26 budget will help to fund the completion of existing new build and rehabilitation project commitments, as well as new project approvals such as that at Wyndford, including our targeted £40-million voids and acquisitions commitment and our commitment to new-build site starts. As homes for mid-market rents are aimed at helping people on low to moderate incomes, the Scottish Government requires that the starting rent level for each home, including any service charge, is generally no more than the relevant local housing allowance rate. It is also the case that rent should not at any time exceed the midpoint of any market rent levels in the relevant broad rental market area, unless it is agreed that rent levels in the local area are materially different from those.”
“In the past 10 years, at least 1,000 new-build homes have been delivered in the Maryhill and Springburn constituency, with 741 social rent and 259 mid-market properties supported through the affordable housing supply programme. Bob Doris: Well, I am glad that I asked that question, because I want to draw the minister’s attention to the 380 new social, rented and affordable housing properties that will be delivered in the Wyndford estate in my constituency. How will next year’s budget support more of that important work, particularly on mid-market rent, which is vitally important to ensure that all constituents can get access to good-quality affordable homes? Paul McLennan: I am aware of the affordable housing development in Wyndford, which will make a real difference to the lives of those who live there.”
“As I have said, we will continue discussing the start dates with stakeholders, and I am happy to continue engaging with Mr Balfour as we move those projects forward.”
“We are in the scoping stage of developing the fund with stakeholders. We do not expect to restrict the pilots to two local authority areas. The funding will be used to deliver a test and learn pilot programme on the ask and act duties in the Housing (Scotland) Bill. The procurement process for the new fund is under way and we will be in a position to set out next steps soon. Jeremy Balfour: The minister will appreciate that the bill will be moving to stage 2 next month. The pilot projects are meant to help us identify what changes have to be made. Will he tell the chamber in which month the pilots will start and for how long they will last? Paul McLennan: As I said in my previous answer, we are still in the scoping stage of that work. One aim is to have the projects ready to go as soon as we get into the new financial year.”
“We are seeing signs that 20 councils are reducing the number of children in temporary accommodation. The Deputy Presiding Officer: There are a couple of brief supplementary questions.”
“The Scottish Government has declared a housing emergency, as have many local authorities. When does the minister believe that they will be in a position to report that no children in Scotland are living in unsuitable temporary accommodation? Paul McLennan: I think that we are making progress in some areas. Twelve local authorities have reduced the number of households in temporary accommodation in 2023-24 compared with 2022-23. On the specific issue that the member mentions, 20 local authorities have also reduced the number of children in temporary accommodation. In line with the action of investing £768 million that I mentioned, we are targeting the local authorities that face the most pressure with a £42 million investment that will include addressing empty homes. We hope to get there as soon as possible.”
“We are taking decisive action to reduce the number of households with children in temporary accommodation. Increasing affordable and social housing is the best way to reduce time in temporary accommodation. I encourage the member to vote for our budget, which delivers investment of £768 million for 2025-26, enabling delivery of more than 8,000 homes. I come back to the specific target of reducing that number of households in five local authorities. Given the sustained pressures, we are investing £42 million this year in the areas that I have mentioned, thereby increasing the supply of affordable homes through acquisitions and bringing empty homes back into use, including through the purchase of larger homes that are suitable for families. Katy Clark: I welcome the work that is being undertaken.”
“I am happy to take up the case that the member mentioned and to discuss further what we can do.”
“I am happy to meet her to discuss it in more detail. We are taking forward recommendations in the care leavers housing pathway, which is important. That is reflected in a report on progress that was published by the Rock Trust on behalf of the “A way home Scotland” coalition in October 2024, which picks up some of the issues that the member mentioned. We have made some progress with local authorities and we have taken action. There is £768 million in the budget for next year, a £2 million investment in empty homes and a £4 million investment for work with Crisis on pilot projects. We also discussed with the City of Edinburgh Council how we could reduce the number of void properties. Edinburgh has seen a 55 per cent reduction in the number of void properties in the past number of months.”
“He said: “I retired seven years ago from working in the field of housing and homelessness, to read after all this time that so many are still slipping through the net on leaving care is depressing: and particularly that the underlying issues— lack of affordable housing; insufficient planning in advance of leaving care; not enough support once someone has left—remain unaddressed.” He found the statement from the Scottish Government that current action is sufficient as “particularly self-damning”. My constituent has clearly identified areas that need to be addressed, yet the Government does not seem to see homelessness among the group as a priority. When will we see direct action being taken to tackle the issue? Paul McLennan: I take the opportunity to say that I am sorry about the issue that Sue Webber has raised.”
“Last year, I chaired a ministerial oversight group on homelessness meeting on youth homelessness, with a specific focus on care- experienced young people. I also met the Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise separately to discuss the steps needed to prevent care leavers from experiencing homelessness. Since then, officials have been working across policy areas to progress the recommendations in the care leavers housing pathway and to ensure that young people’s and care leavers’ housing needs are reflected in new policy and legislation, including the Housing (Scotland) Bill and the proposed the Promise bill. Sue Webber: Despite the activity that the minister outlined in his response, a constituent has contacted me to express their anger at the state of homelessness among care-experienced individuals in Scotland.”
“We continue to focus on that, but it is important to achieve a balance. You are right to mention empty homes but I do not share your view of the impact of the licensing scheme on tourism. We must look at the benefits that hosts and operators get from the scheme, such as being able to promote safe and high-quality businesses. We do not want to see hosts leaving the sector, but there is a range of factors to consider. We have been supporting tourism. Through VisitScotland, we have pulled together an expert group to review the implementation of the scheme and that group will continue advising us on the issue.”
“Rachael Hamilton: The Scottish National Party Government has its priorities all wrong, because short-term lets such as self-catering generate £34 million and support 1,100 people in the Borders alone, while having a negligible impact on housing markets. In contrast, empty homes, of which there are almost 2,000 in the Borders, outnumber self- catering properties and offer no economic benefit. Does the minister agree that the Scottish Government must do more to support Scotland’s £1 billion self-catering industry and should refocus its efforts on tackling economically inactive empty homes to get more people into them? Paul McLennan: I already highlighted the additional £2 million for this year and the work that the Scottish Government has done to deliver 11,000 empty homes back into use in recent years.”
“Tourism is an important part of Scotland’s economy. The short-term let market, which has grown significantly in recent years, makes a strong contribution, as is highlighted in the report. We continue to work with the sector and local authorities to build Scotland’s reputation as a high- quality tourist destination, while balancing demand for homes during a time of housing emergency, by introducing regulations to safeguard guests, allocating an additional £2 million in funding to tackle empty homes, and providing £4 million for tourism infrastructure and £2 million to encourage visits to more of Scotland’s national attractions, all of which is furthering our national tourism strategy, as set out in “Scotland Outlook 2030: Responsible tourism for a sustainable future”.”
“Of course, we would be happy to consider such a request. We are engaging with the United Kingdom Government on the matter. I have a meeting with my UK Government counterpart in the next week or two, at which I will raise the issue of financial support to deal with RAAC. The previous UK Government said that it would support the provision of whatever funding was required. I will raise that issue with the UK Government. Carer Support Payment 4.”
“Dundee residents in places such as Craigie and Menzieshill and residents in Milton Street in Monifieth tell me that they have been abandoned by their councils and the Government. I am afraid that the minister’s answer will have just reinforced that view. A fortnight ago, the First Minister told me that the Government would engage with councils and residents to navigate them through the situation. When can Dundee residents affected by RAAC expect to hear from the minister so that a meeting can be set up with them and the council? Paul McLennan: Obviously, the situation in Aberdeen has been raised in the Parliament, too. I have met residents and the council on a number of occasions, and officials continue to do so. I have not had a meeting request from Dundee City Council on that specific issue.”
“I recognise that it is a very difficult time for those households that are affected by RAAC. In line with Institution of Structural Engineers’ guidance, Dundee City Council assessed the RAAC in its rented homes as mainly low or medium risk and commenced a programme of inspections. The council is encouraging private owners to undertake their own surveys to identify the most appropriate action. RAAC is regarded as an issue of building maintenance, with responsibility being a matter for property owners, informed by professional advice and best practice. We are working alongside Dundee City Council to ensure that affected households are supported appropriately. Liam Kerr: In Dundee, 81 blocks of flats and 293 cottages, 133 of which have been bought from the council, have been found to have RAAC.”
“Presiding Officer, it is difficult to hear on the front bench. I do not know what it is like in the rest of the chamber, but the sound is very quiet here. The Deputy Presiding Officer: I think that you are right, minister. We will investigate that. Ms Stewart, if you are able to respond to the question, we will try to deal with the audio.”