“We welcome the publication of the Housing (Scotland) Bill, and note the tireless work of Living Rent as central in securing this Bill.[1] Despite areas of policy progress on housing in Scotland, there remains an acute lack of affordable housing across the country.

“Unaffordable rents are a driving force in the erosion of living standards in Scotland, contributing to poverty, homelessness, household debt and hunger. Measures to prevent homelessness and strengthen tenants’ rights are therefore urgently required in the midst of a cost of living crisis that is disproportionately harming low income households. 

“Since 2010, private sector rents in some of Scotland’s major cities have soared by around 80%, and in recent years low-income private rented sector households across Scotland spent almost half of their income on housing.[2] [3] Even during the rent cap, private rents in Scotland continued to soar. Over recent weeks, several local authorities in Scotland have declared a housing emergency as a result of intense pressure on services.[4] 

“Among other key policy measures to tackle the housing crisis is the creation of well-designed and effective rent controls. We welcome the introduction of rent control areas, and note the need to ensure rent controls are attached to properties. The moves towards ensuring landlords are transparent about rental prices are welcome, as are measures to ensure greater protection against evictions. 

“Moving forward, given the acute housing crisis in Scotland, there should be widespread support for measures to protect tenants as the Bill progresses through parliament, as well as support to strengthen areas of the Bill, like enhancing enforcement mechanisms. Critically, if we are to protect tenants and prevent homelessness, the meaningful measures included in the Bill cannot fall short at the implementation stage.” 

ENDS 

NOTES TO EDITORS 

[1] https://www.gov.scot/news/housing-bill-published/

[2] https://www.gov.scot/publications/cost-living-bill-key-statistics/

[3] https://www.gov.scot/publications/private-sector-rent-statistics-scotland-2010-to-2023/pages/3-bedroom-properties/

[4] https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/24201566.fife-council-becomes-fourth-scotland-declare-housing-emergency/

[5] Future Economy Scotland is a non-partisan think tank that aims to create a new economy that is democratic, sustainable and just. The organisation does not have a formal stance on Scotland’s constitutional future, and is not aligned to any political party or any politician. The organisation is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee operating with charitable principles. For more information, visit: www.futureeconomy.scot

 

[6] To book an interview with a spokesperson, or for any other questions, please contact press@futureeconomy.scot or call communications lead Ian Fraser on 07803 970393.