Emma Roddick MSP welcomes Scottish Government’s commitment to long-term tenant protection legislation

Highlands & Islands MSP Emma Roddick has welcomed the Scottish Government’s assurance that work is continuing towards the implementation of long-term protections for private housing tenants, stating that more permanent measures are vital in ensuring the security of renters across Scotland.

Ms Roddick pressed the Minister for Tenants’ Rights, Patrick Harvie, to report on the Government’s progress on implementing a fairer housing system to protect tenants in the long term during his Ministerial Statement this afternoon [Thursday 12th January].

Sharing that the government had already consulted on proposals for the New Deal for Tenants, Mr Harvey assured the parliament of his commitment to bringing forward longer-term legislation to protect tenants.

Ms Roddick said:

“The emergency rent freeze and ban on evictions brought in last year was ambitious and crucial during one of the hardest winters in recent times. I know from my constituents across the Highlands & Islands that these measures were warmly welcomed and vital in keeping people in their homes.

“The measures within that legislation have seen folk across Scotland protected against unjust rent hikes and evictions. It has been an absolute lifeline for so many.

“Given the temporary nature of the act, I am reassured to hear that the Government is continuing to take steps to implement protections on a more permanent basis and ultimately build up a fairer rented housing system for all. This will be welcome news for my constituents in the Highlands & Islands.

“Whilst this Tory-made cost of living crisis persists, the Scottish Government continues to do all it can to protect its most vulnerable.”