BREAKING: Nichola Sturgeon to reveal national rent freeze in Scotland

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It has been reported that Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is due to announce a national rent freeze as part of her government’s attempt to tackle the cost-of-living crisis.

The controversial measure, which is due to be announced later today as part of a package of emergency policies to help Scotland’s population deal with higher bills and living costs, follows a strong campaign by Labour MSP Mercedes Villalba.

She says: “We have the most right-wing Tory government at Westminster since the Thatcher years, with the new Prime Minister Liz Truss openly stating that she supports ‘Thatcherite’ 1980s style tax cuts for the wealthiest.

“Against this backdrop, it’s welcome that the First Minister appears to be planning to introduce a rent freeze.”

Fair game

Leading Scottish letting agent David Alexander (pictured) of DJ Alexander, has not welcomed the expected announcement.

“This tells you all you need to know about the Scottish Governments’ commitment to consultation and fairness.

“No government would tell supermarkets, pubs, or clothing manufacturers to freeze the cost of their goods, but it seems that Nicola Sturgeon and her colleagues believe the private rented sector is fair game,” he says.

“One parliamentary source is quoted in the media as saying if the cost of a freeze was met by landlords the policy would cost the Government nothing.

Shrinking

“But the result of this policy will be a shrinking of the private rented sector at a time when demand is at its highest.

“This has come at a time when local councils are seeking help from the private rented sector in housing the homeless as they have no capacity within social housing.

“This move marks a new low in the Scottish governments’ relations with the private rented sector and, given that this has been done without consultation, is a sign of desperation at a time when we need considered thought and action.”

Read more about rent controls in Scotland.

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