Local authorities’ powers in Scotland

There are no powers in Scotland equivalent to those in England and Wales. However, local authorities throughout Great Britain do have powers to make ‘control orders’ in extreme cases.1HA 1985; H(S)A 1987 This means that the council can take over a house in multiple occupation from a landlord and collect the rent to pay for any necessary repairs and to pay bills such as fuel bills. Unfortunately, it is unlikely that a control order would be made on the basis of unpaid fuel bills alone; these powers are more typically used if there is substantial disrepair.

 

1     HA 1985; H(S)A 1987 »