MSPs from all parties must stand up for tenants rights and rent controls
A robust Housing Bill and protections for tenants would be one of the most important legacies of this parliamentary session, says the Scottish Greens equalities spokesperson, Maggie Chapman MSP.
Ms Chapman has called for MSPs from all parties to work together to deliver badly needed tenant protections and rent controls in the upcoming Housing Bill.
The bill, which is to introduce rent controls and new rights for tenants, was a key pledge in the Bute House Agreement that brought the Scottish Greens into government, with polling showing support from the overwhelming majority of Scotland.
Ms Chapman is concerned that the bill may be watered down, with One national newspaper quoting senior government sources pledging a “light touch approach” to regulations and Scottish Labour’s housing spokesperson, Mark Griffin, calling for it to be withdrawn for further consultation.
Ms Chapman said: “All parties can agree that Scotland is experiencing a housing emergency, but words are the easy part. MSPs are not elected to diagnose problems, we have to take action to fix them.
“Our Parliament has the chance to introduce progressive rent controls and badly needed protections that tenants across Scotland are crying out for. We must seize this opportunity.
“The emergency rent freeze legislation that we introduced was hugely important in supporting tenants on the frontline of the crisis, but it also underlined the urgent and growing need for permanent legislation.
“A robust housing bill that supports tenants would be one of the most important legacies of this parliamentary session. It is something that all progressive voices and parties should be able to unite around and work constructively to deliver.
“The landlord lobby and vested interests will be working around the clock to undermine this bill. We cannot let them do so. Every tenant deserves peace of mind, and rent controls are normal across Europe and beyond.
“MSPs from across the chamber need to stand together and send a loud and clear message in support of tenants rights by offering the safety, stability and protections that every tenant deserves but too few have. Homes should be for living in, not for profiteering.”