E Scottish Government has lodged chynges tae the Hoosin (Scotland) Bill aat aims tae rein in risin rents. E new rules wid haud rent hikes in areas wi rent control tae the Consumer Price Index rate plus 1%, tho they canna rise mair than 6% in total. These limits wid coont for rent hikes baith durin a tenancy an efter ae tenancy eyns.

E measures come amid widespreid worries ower heich livin costs an steep energy prices. Meenisters will choose the areas far rent control should apply. E chynges bigg on existin richts in e Bill, sic as e keepin o pets.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Eradicatin bairn poverty bides iss government’s main priority an haein a hame can mak a direct contribution tae achievin iss. Ensurin faimilies can hae secure an affordable hames aat meet their needs is pairt o oor approach tae tacklin e hoosin emergency. Iss measures will help protect tenants against a backdrap o a continin cost o livin crisis an risin energy costs. We are deein fit we can wi the pouers aat we hae as we ken oor policies are warkin tae improve the lives o faimilies in Scotland. Scotland aaready his some o the strangest richts in e UK for tenants, but we want tae improve the rentin experience even mair tae create an affordable, heich-quality an fair rented sector. We hae bin warkin closely wi tenants’ organisations tae develop provisions in e Hoosin Bill tae improve renters’ richts, includin a system o lang-term rent controls aat is fair for tenants an encourages investment in e sector. Oor rented sector is a crucial pairt o tacklin e hoosin emergency an these measures provide important certainty for tenants.”

E proposal sikks tae gie a fair chance tae thae fa rent, even as e cost o livin spurs mony stressfu chyces. E amendments are pairt o the government’s wider effort tae mend e rentin experience an spairk further biggin in e field.