Draft guidance to help local authorities exercise new powers and carry out duties to take action on poor quality private housing was published for consultation today.

The measures, which are part of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006, herald a radical change in the approach to dealing with poor living conditions in Scotland's privately owned housing stock. They make clear owners' responsibility for repair and maintenance, introduce new powers for local authorities to provide a wider range of assistance to owners, such as information and advice, as well as loans and grant where needed.

Measures will also improve significantly the financial assistance for owners who wish to adapt their homes to suit a disabled occupant, require local authorities to be more strategic in their efforts and use of resources and modernise existing powers and allow local authorities to intervene at an earlier stage.

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The consultation asks for views on all the guidance created for local authorities and in particular, new proposals on: a National Lending Unit and Lending Advisory Service to help people find affordable loans with which to finance repairs and a national Trusted Trader framework to ensure individuals have access to reputable and affordable traders.

Announcing the start of the consultation Communities and Sport Minister, Stewart Maxwell, said: "Too many people in Scotland live in houses that are in poor condition, or have difficultly living independently because of the design of their houses. Most of these houses are in the private sector.

"Personal responsibility is at the heart of this new approach. The new powers in the Act reflect this principle. But not everyone is able to act on their own, and this guidance aims to reach many more people in that position than before and to provide the right assistance where it is most needed.

Each local authority has been asked to make and deliver strategies that will protect and enhance the built environment and benefit communities in its area.

Relevant sections of parts 1 and 2 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 are being implemented after receiving Royal Assent in January 2006.

The new proposals for assistance with adapting homes are contained in draft regulations, which are part of the consultation. These will introduce a nationally consistent approach to financial assistance which fits with existing community care policy.

The consultation will run until July 1, 2008.

(GK/JM)