MSP expresses north-east housing association concerns about rent freeze
Liam Kerr MSP has highlighted how local housing associations across the north-east are concerned about the impact of the Scottish Government’s introduction of a rent freeze across Scotland.
Mr Kerr has been contacted by several associations including Grampian and Langstane about the impact of bringing in the policy which came to the Scottish Parliament this week.
Concerns include the significant impact rent controls will have on the provision of new homes.
The north-east MSP said 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.
Liam Kerr 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 across the north-east have raised concerns directly with me ahead of this vote taking place, yet they have been ignored by Scottish Government 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 Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire 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 north-east 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 our region worse, rather than helping people who want to rent.”
