Scottish Greens warn SNP against rent control rollback
The SNP must not rollback or water down their commitment to tenants rights and rent controls, says the Scottish Greens equalities spokesperson, Maggie Chapman MSP.
Ms Chapman’s warning comes as media reports suggest the SNP is on the verge of diluting the Housing Bill, which was introduced by Scottish Green MSP Patrick Harvie during his time as a Minister.
One national newspaper quotes senior government sources pledging a “light touch approach” to regulations.
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, including 90% of SNP voters.
Ms Chapman said: “The First Minister has said that his priority is eradicating child poverty, but we can’t do that without tackling the sky high rents that have plunged so many families into debt, poverty and insecurity. Rent controls and tenants’ protections can provide a strong foundation for resilient communities and a more equal society.
“If this bill is watered down or the tenants’ protections diluted, or if the SNP caves to the vested interests of the landlord lobby, it will be a shameful betrayal of the many tenants who are on the frontline of the housing emergency and need their government to be on their side.
“When the Scottish Greens were in government we used emergency legislation to introduce a temporary rent freeze and protections that supported tenants across the country. These were vital steps, but if we are to have any chance of fixing the broken housing market then we need those same protections to be made permanent.”
Ms Chapman added “Over the last few weeks we have seen the SNP shedding commitments and breaking promises on an almost daily basis. From cutting active travel to U-turning on universal free school meals, they have rolled back on one policy after another.
“The landlord lobby has had its way for too long. Homes should be for living in, not for profiteering. Scotland has the opportunity to lead the way on tenants rights if the SNP is willing to listen to their own supporters, who back these reforms overwhelmingly.”