Local Labour MSP Jackie Baillie has urged members from all parties to back Labour's proposals to give homeowners more protection by enforcing new standards on factors and property managers.

Scottish Labour’s Patricia Ferguson has tabled a members’ bill that would give homeowners more rights and require all factors in Scotland to be registered and accredited by an official body.

Jackie Baillie is supporting the legislation because of the number of complaints she has received from constituents. The proposals are supported by a range of organisations including the Property Managers Association and Govan Law Centre.

Jackie said, "For too long factors have been a law unto themselves. There are many good factors but there are others who seem to see the job as a licence to print money and simply do not communicate with the people they are supposed to work for.

"I decided to support this legislation after receiving complaints from constituents about a whole range of issues including poor quality repairs, unnecessary work, serious overcharging and substandard service.

"These are issues that affect people throughout this area and I hope that MSPs from across the Chamber will put aside their differences and support Labour’s proposals to give homeowners more rights.

"The Scottish Government is currently proposing a voluntary scheme but we believe they need to go further and that legislation is required."