LONDON Mayor Sadiq Khan has praised the “bold action” from the Scottish Government after Nicola Sturgeon announced a rent freeze.
The SNP First Minister said that, in effect, rents in Scotland would be “frozen from today” (Tuesday).
Sturgeon said that rents would be frozen at current levels until at least March 31, 2023 – and that there would also be a ban on evictions in place.
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon announces rent freeze for tenants – here's how it works
Speaking to MSPs at the launch of the 2022-2023 Programme for Government, she said: “The Scottish Government does not have the power to stop your energy bills soaring, but we can and will take action to ensure that your rent does not rise.
“By definition these are temporary measures. But they will provide much needed security for many during what will be a difficult winter.”
Green co-leader and Minister for Tenants’ Rights, Patrick Harvie (above), is expected to bring forward the emergency legislation. The Scottish Greens added on Twitter: “Over the course of this parliamentary term we will introduce the biggest expansion of tenants rights since devolution.”
Responding to the announcement, London’s Labour mayor praised the “bold action” from the Scottish Government – and called for the UK Government to give him the power to do the same.
READ MORE: Scotland's councils to have power to tax tourists under government plans
Khan said: “This bold action from the Scottish Government will support thousands of households during this national crisis.
“I'll continue to call on the UK Government to grant me the power to freeze rents in our capital. Londoners face record rents at the worst possible time.”
In response, SNP MP Pete Wishart wrote: "What you get from an SNP government. Imagine what more we could do if we had the powers."
What you get from an SNP Government. Imagine what more we could do if we had the powers. https://t.co/iNjBZXuPcC
— Pete Wishart (@PeteWishart) September 6, 2022
Roz Foyer, the general secretary of the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC), also praised the introduction of a rent freeze, but cautioned that it must be done “correctly”.
She said: “Today’s Programme for Government shows what can be achieved through industrial action and collective campaigning.
“The Scottish Government is to be commended for freezing rents. If implemented correctly – and we are pressing for further answers - this will help thousands of households across Scotland when they need it most.
“When used, the powers of our Parliament can bring positive change. This must now extend to Scotland’s tax powers.”
A row erupted around the announcement of the plans to bring in a rent freeze, as SNP and Green MSPs had rejected proposals put forward by Scottish Labour’s Mercedes Villalba in June.
Among suggestions from some corners that the rent freeze had come too late as a result, Villalba tweeted to say: “Changing legislation is a team effort so, rather than quibble over credit, I hope all socialists in Scotland can commit to redoubling our efforts for full rent controls and unite around our hatred of Tory profiteering.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel