Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP for Lothian Jeremy Balfour has highlighted how local housing associations in the Lothians are concerned about the impact of the SNP-Green Government’s introduction of a rent freeze across Scotland.
Despite repeated warnings from experts including housing associations about the impact of bringing in the policy, it has been railroaded through the Scottish Parliament this week.
Ahead of the emergency legislation this week, the Director of Prospect Community Housing had told the Scottish Conservatives that rent controls would have a significant impact on the provision of new homes.
The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations had also said it was positive that there were currently no rent controls in place.
Jeremy Balfour added that the SNP Government have repeatedly failed to meet housebuilding targets and that’s where the focus should be rather than prioritising “headline-chasing” announcements like rent freezes.
Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP Jeremy Balfour said: “The SNP-Green Government have railroaded through rent controls this week in Parliament with little time for scrutiny as to what this will mean in practice.
“Housing associations in the Lothians raised concerns directly with me ahead of this vote taking place, yet they have been ignored by SNP-Green ministers who prefer to try to secure good headlines.
“The reality is that their rent freeze could reduce the housing stock available to housing associations in the Lothian Region which is the last thing we need when the demand is so high.
“The SNP-Green government’s focus should be on finally achieving their housebuilding targets, which they have continually missed. That is a real, long-term solution to support housing associations in the Lothians as well as those looking to rent or buy.
“This rent freeze is going to be counterproductive and is likely to make the housing crisis in the Lothians worse, rather than helping those looking to rent.”
