Factoring in the factors

March 8th, 2010

The bad reputation suffered by factors stretches right back to the days of the Highland clearances.

Nowadays, a good factor is worth his weight in gold, providing a convenient and value for money service.

But sadly there are a number who justify that negative reputation.

At my regular surgeries, housing issues are the number one issue and I have heard my fair share of factoring horror stories.

We have money being charged for work not done, over-priced tradesman, poor workmanship, disputes over bills and even people taken to court for the smallest of debts.

Dealing with factors can be frustrating because people are left feeling powerless to challenge them.

Other than the courts, there is no regulation of the factoring business and no accountability to residents.

I believe the Scottish Parliament has made progress in ensuring that people are safe and protected in their homes, reducing dangerous overcrowding through multiple occupancy licences and encouraging good factoring arrangements between neighbours.

But it is clear that regulation of factoring is an area of housing law which has been neglected and a private member’s bill lodged by my colleague Patricia Ferguson gives us an opportunity to put that right.

The bill seeks a requirement for all factors in Scotland to be registered and accredited by an official body.

This would set standards of practice, a guarantee that property factors were fit and proper for the job and would result in those who don’t meet this strict criteria being struck off.

I hope the parliament and all the parties get behind this bill and introduce a compulsory register rather than adopting a voluntary code.

This will allow us to clear out the rogue factors and give increased powers to homeowners.