Scots back rent controls to tackle housing emergency despite 'loud objections' from landlords

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A majority of Scots back the introduction of long-term rent controls to ease the country's housing crisis, a new poll has found.A survey by YouGov found eight in 10 adults who expressed an opinion were in favour of greater protection for tenants amid a nationwide shortage of affordable housing.

The poll, commissioned by the Future Economy Scotland think-tank, found 43 per cent of Scots "strongly supporting" rent controls, and further 39 per cent saying they "tend to support" them.The findings come amid a backlash from landlords at the Scottish Government's proposed Housing Bill, which has yet to be voted on by MSPs.It will place a duty on local councils to carry out assessments on the state of private accommodation in their area, which could lead to some districts being declared rent control zones.The legislation does not specify particular controls on landlords but says rent rises would be capped during and in-between tenancies.Miriam Brett, co-director of Future Economy Scotland, said: "In sharp contrast to the loud objections from those profiting from unaffordable rents, this polling demonstrates that rent controls have consistent and widespread support across all sectors of Scottish society."Scotland faces an acute rural and urban housing crisis, the causes of which are multifaceted, from the dramatic rise of short-term lets and second homes to sky-rocketing rents.

Soaring rents have eroded living standards across Scotland, contributing to poverty, homelessness, household debt and hunger.

It would be unconscionable to continue down this path."The Scottish Government declared a national housing emergency earlier this year following similar moves by several local authorities, including Glasgow and Edinburgh.Maggie