Scottish Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser has highlighted how a local housing association in Mid Scotland and Fife is 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 was recently railroaded through Scottish Parliament.
Ahead of the emergency legislation, 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.
Those concerns have been echoed by Kingdom Housing Association, who told Mr Fraser that they have ‘significant concerns about the SNP-Green Government’s proposed rent freeze for social housing.’
Commenting, Mr Fraser, who represents the Mid Scotland and Fife region, said: “The SNP-Green Government have railroaded through rent controls in Parliament with little time for scrutiny as to what this will mean in practice.
“Kingdom Housing Association, who operate in Fife and Perth and Kinross, raised concerns directly with me ahead of this vote taking place, stating the rent freeze will lead to a reduction in their delivery of new homes, 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 Mid Scotland and Fife which is the last thing we need when the demand is so high.”
Mr Fraser continued: “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 Mid Scotland and Fife 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 Mid Scotland and Fife worse, rather than helping those looking to rent.”
