Action needed on housing as figures show rent rises
Andy Wightman MSP, Housing spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, today (8 Nov) urged action on Scotland's housing crisis after new figures showed that between 2015 and 2016, 17 out of 18 areas of Scotland saw increases in average rent levels.
From 2010 to 2016, Lothian, Greater Glasgow and Aberdeen City and Shire all saw 2 bedroom average rents increase above the rate of inflation.
Lothian has seen the highest increase, with average monthly rents rising by 25.1 per cent over 6 years. Lothian has the highest average monthly rent for a 2 bedroom property at £831.
Andy Wightman, Housing spokesperson for the Scottish Greens and MSP for Lothian, said:
“These figures underline the need for bold action to address Scotland’s housing crisis. Home ownership is out of reach for far too many people, leaving private renting as the only option. As we can see, rents have soared in pressured areas such as Lothian and we must look at rent controls to prevent people either being priced out of a suitable home or forced into poverty in order to pay their bills.
“There remains a fundamental need to build more homes in Scotland and make those homes available to buy or rent at genuinely affordable prices. As we approach discussions about the 2017 Scottish budget we will be arguing for a strong commitment from the Scottish Government to invest in new housing.”