Part 6Other housing matters

Housing emergency

80Guidance for local authorities about a local housing emergency

(1)

The Scottish Ministers may issue guidance to local authorities about the declaration of a local housing emergency by a local authority.

(2)

The guidance may, in particular, include provision about—

(a)

the meaning of a local housing emergency,

(b)

the circumstances in which a local housing emergency may be declared by a local authority,

(c)

the effect of a local authority declaring a local housing emergency, including any action that may be taken by the local authority following such a declaration,

(d)

the circumstances in which a local housing emergency that has been declared ceases to apply, and

(e)

any other matter relating to a local housing emergency as the Scottish Ministers consider appropriate.

(3)

A local authority must, in the exercise of its functions in relation to housing, have regard any guidance issued under subsection (1).

(4)

Before issuing any guidance under subsection (1), the Scottish Ministers—

(a)

must consult local authorities, and

(b)

may consult any other person they consider appropriate.

(5)

The Scottish Ministers must publish any guidance issued under subsection (1) in such manner as they consider appropriate.