September 12, 2012
Know your rights
New legislation usually involves the bestowing of new rights or imposing new responsibilities. But experience has shown that that’s only half the battle – having rights, and knowing how to use them are two very different things (memo to Scottish Govt re CERB). New legislation was passed earlier this year to help local people tackle problems created by the poor management of private property. Govan Law Centre has stepped in with a new project to make sure people know what their new rights are and how to use them.
12/09/12
Vivienne Nicoll, Evening Times
A group has been set up to help people tackle problems with their properties and their communities. One of the issues it will focus on is how homeowners can deal with factors who fail to deliver the services they should.
The Govanhill Community Empowerment Project aims to give people the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to confront problems. It plans to educate individuals about their legal rights in relation to property law, anti-social behaviour and other important issues that affect day-to-day lives.
Project bosses recently made a submission to the Glasgow Factoring Commission, which was set up by the city council to look at problems surrounding property management. It was formed after the Property Factors (Scotland) Bill was passed by the Scottish Parliament in March.
When it becomes law on October 1, the Act will make it an offence to operate as a property factor unless they are registered with the Scottish Government. The registration requirement will apply to existing and new property factors.
Govan Law Centre, which set up the Govanhill project, worked with others in the campaign for the new law.
Project spokesman Damien Cohen said: “We welcome the new law on factors, which will give homeowners more rights when factors provide a poor service. But having rights and knowing how to use them are two different things. There is a real need to raise awareness about these new rights.”
“That kind of empowerment will improve the common property and environment and give people confidence and improve their well-being. People will feel more in control of their lives and there will be increased pride and confidence in the area they live.”
The Govanhill Community Empowerment Project, one of the first public legal education services to be launched in Scotland, is open to anyone living in the area. It may be extended to other areas at a later date.
A council spokesman said: “The Commission is looking at all issues to do with factoring in Glasgow and is due to report on its findings at the end of the year. There is undoubtedly a shared responsibility for common property, so anything that encourages people to become more involved in the continuing maintenance of their homes has to be welcomed.”