If approved, the rent cap will apply to rent increases both during the term of a tenancy and in between tenancies and will only apply in areas where rent control is applied.
Greens councillors have criticised the Scottish Government for setting rent control levels, saying all councillors should have been involved in discussions over the setting of the rent cap levels.
In joint statement sent exclusively to The Herald, Glasgow Green Councillors Seonad Hoy and Holly Bruce said the government “completely abandoned” their position on putting power in the hands of local authorities. The government denies this.
READ MORE:
Greens accuse Scottish Government of ‘shameful betrayal’ over rent controls
City of Edinburgh Council backs rent control motion
Edinburgh named on list of most expensive places to rent in the UK
The Housing (Scotland) Bill was lodged earlier this year, and the legislation allows ministers to create rent control zones following a recommendation from local councils. The Bill initially did not set out the size of the caps.
The councillors’ statement reads: “Green councillors are rightly concerned about the proposed Housing Bill. The Scottish Government have completely abandoned their previous position of putting power in the hands of local authorities.
“Councils should have the power to decide levels of rent caps locally, not have it written into legislation – subverting local democracy – so we cannot support this move away council oversight.
“Glasgow in particular has specific needs and circumstances that must be taken into account. We have a housing crisis in the city and this bill must address that, not bake in above inflation rent increases.
“The work of Living Rent has got us to this point, and we thank them for their dedication and commitment to tenants’ rights.”
Over the last year, at least 12 Scottish councils, including Glasgow, have declared housing emergencies, and MSPs voted through a motion to declare a national housing emergency.
The councillors added in their statement: “We must respond to that crisis in a timely and effective way, to ensure that the rights of tenants are upheld and to prevent increasing levels of poverty and homelessness. Rent controls are an integral part of the solution to the housing crisis.”
The Scottish Government denies their recent amendment setting out the size of the caps will impact the role played by local councils.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “This amendment to the Housing Bill will not reduce the role played by local authorities. Local authorities will still lead on the assessment of their areas and make recommendations on whether and where rent controls are necessary. The amendments now provide earlier clarity on what the rent cap would be in areas where local authorities assessment shows a rent control area is necessary.
“We will continue to work closely with local authorities to develop the assessment process.”
Caps will be in place between tenancies, as well as throughout, in the selected zones, but the housing minister said there will be exemptions to allow certain properties to avoid the caps.
A consultation will take place this spring on how exemptions should be applied, but the minister indicated in Holyrood that mid-market rent properties are one such option.
