Highlands & Islands MSP welcomes tenant protection law stating rent freezes will ultimately save lives across the region this winter

Emma Roddick, MSP for the Highlands & Islands, has welcomed the news that the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) Act has received Royal Assent and is therefore now law in Scotland.

The bill, which was passed through the parliament as emergency legislation in early October, will see in-tenancy rents frozen until at least 31 March 2023.

Ms Roddick, an advocate for tenants’ rights and progressive housing policy, spoke during stage 1 of the debate in parliament, urging the chamber to back the that the legislation which would save lives this winter.

Commenting, Ms Roddick said:

“As many know, housing is an issue that I am deeply passionate about, so the passing of this bill and its coming into force means a great deal to me.

“As the pressures of the cost-of-living crisis have continued to worsen and affect a greater number of people, I have become more and more concerned about those who were already facing difficult times in my region, and how they will cope over the cold winter months.

“During the debate, I told the chamber that this legislation, if passed, would ultimately save lives across Scotland, and I have no doubt in that being the case. As households continue to struggle and bear the brunt of rising energy costs, this freeze will be a lifeline for so many.

“There is undoubtedly more work to be done, and I will continue to press for more action for those who need it the most, but this legislation becoming law is certainly a starting point and will alleviate some of the pressures facing those in the Highlands and Islands and across the rest of Scotland this winter.”