Scottish Government opposition to rent freezes criticised

A Labour MSP has criticised the Scottish Government after it ruled out bringing in an emergency rent freeze. Mercedes Villalba had proposed a halt to rental increases until a system of national rent controls can be introduced. The measure would be targeted at private landlords but council and social housing tenants would also benefit. But Patrick Harvie, the minister for tenants' rights, said it was "not something that I could recommend the government supporting". In a letter to the Labour MSP, Harvie added: "The near-blanket approach, coupled with the lack of opportunity for engagement, means that it is at high risk of successful challenge."

The Daily Record