Question reference: S5W-29126
- Asked by: Gordon Lindhurst, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 18 May 2020
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Current status: Answered by Kevin Stewart on 28 May 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making on developing a safe operating protocol that would allow the recommencement of the property transaction process, in light of the resumption of this in England.
Answer
The health and safety of the people of Scotland is our top priority. The Scottish Government published guidance on moving home during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak on 31 March: https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-moving-home/ . This guidance permits only home moves that are reasonably necessary.
A relaxation of restrictions on home moves is anticipated in phase 2 of the recovery plan, as set out in Scotland’s route map through and out of the crisis , published on 21 May. A specific date is not given for the start of phase 2. If the virus remains suppressed, and the evidence allows us to do so, then gradually, more restrictions will be removed.
During phase 1, preparations can be made for the safe reopening of the housing market.