Tenants across Clackmannanshire are being failed by the Scottish Government as the SNP seek to water-down rent controls.

The long-awaited Housing Reform Bill aims to improve housing outcomes for people who live in private rented accommodation. But the formula proposed by the SNP would impose rent hikes above inflation which many simply cannot afford.

Now more than ever we need the Scottish Government to be tough on rent controls and stand up for tenants. We are facing a housing emergency in Scotland, as renters are priced out of the market and social housing demand continues to outstrip supply.

Housing is a human right, and everyone deserve access to a safe, warm and affordable home. Yet the number of households in Scotland that became homeless this year rose by 4% compared to the year before. Increasing numbers of renters are also families, so the housing crisis is also contributing to chronic levels of child poverty which the Scottish Government has promised to tackle.

Last month, Clackmannanshire Council was reported to have failed to meet all of its legal obligations associated with housing and homelessness services. Council officials have admitted to struggling to meet their commitments to address homelessness, though noted this was not through lack of trying.

As more and more people are priced out of the private rental sector, the pressure is on for councils already struggling to meet the demand for social housing.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the Scottish Greens used emergency legislation to freeze rents and protect tenants. Whilst this was victory for tenants, it underlined the need for rent-controls in Scotland.

My colleague Maggie Chapman MSP, recently called on First Minister John Swinney to address the Scottish Government’s attempts to dilute rent controls initially proposed in the Bill.

Mr. Swinney denied that this was the government’s aim and rather that they sought to provide protection for tenants whilst encouraging investment in the private rental market to address the housing emergency.

Private landlords cannot be the long term answer to Scotland’s housing emergency. The Government must invest in quality social housing and protect tenants against skyrocketing rent prices. Its time for the Scottish Government to stand up for tenants and support people, not profits.