Today I have called for the Scottish Government to reconsider their opposition towards capping rent rises after the SNP rejected the plan for the third time in Parliament yesterday. I am disappointed that for the third time the SNP have voted against our calls despite advice from their own Expert Working Group.
The Expert Group on Welfare earlier this year recommended a rent cap that would rise in line with inflation. Their decision to reject these simple but effective proposals benefits those landlords within the renting system that are keen to make a quick buck at the expense of hard working families looking to make ends meet.
Earlier this year, Scottish Labour proposed a cap on rent rises during the passing of the Housing (Scotland) Act with the aim to stop tenants being exposed by landlords imposing excessive rent hikes. I supported these proposals but they were blocked by the SNP and Conservative parties when they voted against them.
Scottish Labour repeated these calls during Labour Party Business in the Scottish Parliament yesterday where they were once again rejected. Labours proposals would have brought stability and security to many families throughout Fife so I am disappointed the Government have yet again rejected them.
We know that many Fifers are living from paycheque to paycheque and that in work poverty is a real issue in Fife. Scottish Labour wants to bring forward proposals to change this, from an energy price freeze to an increased living wage. A rent cap would be part of a package that tackle the current cost of living crisis.
Recent statistics have shown that the number of homes in the private rented sector that are living in poverty has more than doubled in the last decade to over 100,000. One in four Scots living in poverty, live in the private rented sector.
Labour is aiming to bring peace of mind and security to private renters across Fife. Allowing families to plan year to year, rather than week to week. I’d urge the Scottish Government to reconsider and join us in delivering a rent cap.