CREDIT WIPA
An MP is fighting moves by councils to count crofts as an asset towards paying home care costs.
Western Isles Angus MacNeil is calling on the Scottish Government to step in to protect crofting tenure.
Mr MacNeil said he is concerned that some local authorities consider crofts to be an asset which can be used to meet care home costs.
He said his fears arise from a number of cases where local authorities are attempting to use croft homes to pay for the care costs of family members.
“I am currently dealing with a case where a constituent is being pursued for the disposal of assets,” said Mr MacNeil, who is a crofter.
“I just cannot understand how this case can be viewed in this way, particularly given the family circumstances. Like many other people, the person in question does not actually own the croft – he is a tenant.
“I raised this matter with the Crofting Commission who are aware of this issue but say they are not clear whether this is for them to take a position on.
“I would argue that the Crofting Commission should certainly take a stance on this and fight to secure crofting tenure, its purpose is to regulate and promote the interest and secure the future of crofting.
“I will be writing to Fergus Ewing MSP, Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy. The Scottish Government need to clarify the legal position and do everything in their power to protect crofting and the security of tenure that crofters currently enjoy.”
