Greens call for urgent eviction ban extension
The Scottish Greens today called on the Scottish Government to extend the current eviction ban for as long as coronavirus restrictions remain in place.
Asking an urgent question in parliament, Highlands and Islands MSP Ariane Burgess called for the temporary eviction ban to be extend for as long as restrictions remain.
The new MSP also called for government to work collaboratively to deliver a better deal for Scotland’s renters.
Ariane Burgess said:
“I’m proud that Green MSPs worked with the government to deliver an eviction ban over the winter months. This has provided a lifeline for many throughout the pandemic.
“This week we’ve seen many areas move to level two, which is welcome, but the impact of the pandemic doesn’t disappear and now struggling families may face eviction.
“We are still in a public health emergency. Evicting vulnerable people who have been unable to work or earn during the pandemic is deeply unfair. As a minimum we need to keep the eviction ban in place for as long as restrictions remain.
“The sad reality is that Scotland is decades behind our European neighbours when it comes to tenants’ rights, and the pandemic has shone a light on many of the challenges faced by renters.
“The introduction of a winter eviction ban was a great step forward and one that I’d urge the government to make permanent. But we can do so much more like introducing rent controls and establishing a private rented sector regulator.”