Central Scotland MSP pushing for robust rent controls

Lanarkshire MSP Gillian Mackay is pushing for robust rent controls to prevent people being "ripped off" and left struggling to make ends meet.

- MICHAEL PRINGLE

The Scottish Greens have published plans to end rip-off rents with their proposals for the upcoming Housing (Scotland) Bill, that will save people living in rented accommodation money.

Amendments lodged by the Scottish Greens would allow rents to be increased by no more than the cost of living or increases in wages.

And in areas where rents are already too high, local authorities could put in place lower increases, freezes or rent reductions.