Bob Doris MSP has spoken out in favour of proposed legislation to sharpen up the practices of factoring companies. The idea has been proposed by Labour MSP Patricia Fergusson and will introduce a new dispute resolution process between factors and their clients. Complaints have flooded in about malpractice in the industry, with some companies forcing customers into poverty by applying exorbitant administration charges and failing to complete routine work.

Mr Doris said: "I support the regulation of factors and it is very positive that the Scottish Government has signalled that the introduction of a voluntary accreditation scheme does not rule out statutory regulation.

"There is no draft Bill for MSPs to scrutinise as yet and the detail will need to be looked at carefully. For instance, I raised the need for credit solutions to be part of any alternative dispute resolution process between factors and owner occupiers as often disputes revolve around not just the bill but also the ability to pay.

"Social landlord factors such as the GHA need to be examined also with a view to improving their service as well as perhaps breaking up the monopoly position it holds in much of Glasgow. We also have to be sure that those owners that self factor are not adversely affected.

"I will be accepting an invitation from Housing Minister Alex Neil to attend a cross party meeting to discuss related matters. He has also pointed out that there may be wider problems that the proposed Members Bill may not tackle and any successful legislation may need to go yet further."