Scotland has announced new plans to bring in emergency laws that would freeze rents to help tenants deal with the ongoing cost of living crisis.
First minister Nicola Sturgeon announced the measure today at Holyrood while setting out plans to deal with the ‘humanitarian emergency’ caused by soaring energy bills.
‘We will take immediate action to protect tenants in the private and social renting sectors,’ Ms Sturgeon said. ‘The Scottish government does not have the power to stop your energy bills soaring, but we can and will take action to make sure that your rent does not rise.’
The plans would include measures to deliver a rent freeze – a move described by Scotland's tenants union, Living Rent, as a ‘huge win’ – and would also freeze rail fares on ScotRail, which was brought into public ownership this year until at least March 2023.
ICYMI: A hidden city square built in the 1760s has been discovered in Edinburgh.
Plus: The ‘oldest pub’ in the UK could be forced to close because of soaring energy costs.