New Scottish Government statistics show that average rents in Scotland have skyrocketed in real terms since 2010 across every council area. Worryingly, areas in West Scotland have seen some of the highest increases over the last year, at a time when people have really struggled due to the pandemic. Private rents for two bedrooms properties in Ayrshire council areas have increased by 6.8% in real terms over the last year. The figure for West Dunbartonshire is 7.1%.
Tenants unions such as Living Rent have been calling for price caps in the private sector for the better part of the decade and we are still waiting on Scottish Government to introduce meaningful legislation. This can’t wait until the end of the parliament. We need a system of national rent controls now.