Defective and Dangerous Buildings (Recovery of Expenses) (Scotland) Bill

# Defective and Dangerous Buildings (Recovery of Expenses) (Scotland) Bill Local authorities in Scotland have faced significant financial burdens when dealing with defective and dangerous buildings, particularly those requiring demolition or emergency remedial works. When building owners are unable or unwilling to pay for necessary repairs or demolition, councils must often fund these works themselves to protect public safety and amenity. The current legal framework provides limited mechanisms for local authorities to recover these costs from negligent owners or developers, meaning the public purse bears the expense of addressing problems that originated from poor construction or maintenance. This bill seeks to strengthen local authorities' ability to recoup their expenditure in such cases. The bill introduces enhanced powers allowing Scottish local authorities to recover the costs of addressing defective and dangerous buildings from those responsible for their condition. It establishes clearer mechanisms for cost recovery, potentially including provisions around charging interest on unpaid amounts and pursuing recovery through court procedures where necessary. The legislation aims to incentivise building owners and developers to maintain properties adequately and take responsibility for defects, while reducing the financial impact on councils. As a Member's Bill, it represents a private member's legislative proposal rather than a government bill, reflecting concern from individual MSPs about the current gaps in local authority enforcement powers.

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