The consumer champion, Consumer Focus Scotland, says the publication of a consultation on Land Factors is an important step towards addressing an issue that affects hundreds of Scottish householders.
The Scottish Government has launched the consultation on maintenance of land on private housing estates, seeking feedback on whether any changes should be made to existing legislation, the Title Conditions (Scotland) Act 2003, in relation to the ability to “switch” between companies and organisations that carry out the maintenance of open spaces on private housing estates.
Jennifer Wallace, Principal Policy Advocate says it is an encouraging first step towards change:
“Consumers of land maintenance companies are currently ‘locked in’ to their relationship with the company, with no mechanism to dismiss the service provider. Consumers have repeatedly raised concerns about the quality of services provided and we are pleased that the Scottish Government is now taking action to address the issue.
Consumer Focus Scotland believes that the ultimate sanction of dismissal should be available to all homeowners who are unhappy with the quality of the service provided. The public consultation is an important step forward and we would urge homeowners to respond to the consultation and ensure that their views are heard in the process. We hope that the next Scottish Government will continue this work and bring forward legislation to ensure that homeowners can hold land maintenance companies to account for the quality of service they provide.”