We consider that a forum of this sort is unnecessary, since local authorities have already established an HMO Benchmarking Group in which they can discuss problems and best practice relating to mandatory licensing of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). Executive officials and the voluntary sector have established contacts with this group.The licensing structures set up by local authorities were informed by the guidance on the mandatory licensing of HMOs published by the Executive in September 2000. This guidance, which is available in the Parliament's Reference Centre (Bib. no. 13706), was based partly on examples of best practice and it includes Benchmark Standards for safe, good quality accommodation, as well as information on tenancy management standards. However, under the provisions of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, it is the responsibility of each local authority to set reasonable licensing conditions.Under the 1982 Act it is also the responsibility of each local authority to set licensing fees for its area at a level sufficient to meet the expenses of the local authority in exercising its licensing functions under the Act. Details of fee levels are among the information currently being obtained from local authorities on the revised HMO licensing monitoring return.We have no substantive evidence that landlords are selling properties or evading licensing because of the level of fees. Information on any such trends, and on the impact of licence fees on landlords and tenants, will be sought in the course of a review of the first year of mandatory licensing of HMOs, which the Executive will be carrying out later this year.

I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-15911.

I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-15911.

I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-15911.

I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-15911.

Local authorities receive capital allocations from the Scottish Executive to enable them to repair and improve their own stock, including work in respect of old or partial central heating systems. The Scottish Executive Central Heating Programme is additional to this existing resource and is targeted at those properties which have no form of central heating.

The Executive has been working with the four Scottish clearing banks, through the Committee of Scottish Clearing Banks (CSCB), and CoSLA to encourage both the provision and uptake of basic bank accounts. A working group has been established to explore new ways of reaching those who remain unbanked. The CSCB advise that 200,000 basic bank accounts are now open with an additional 10,000 being opened per month across the four banks.

No.

This is a matter for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency. The information requested is not held centrally.

The Executive has not received any such warnings from international agencies. Information on any warnings which may have been received by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency is not held centrally.