Recent reports have shown that the SNP has teamed up with Scottish Tories to in a move that will prevent stability for renters during the coronavirus pandemic by blocking tenants’ rights from the Coronavirus Bill. Tara Pilkington brings you the latest.
The vote came as SNP and Scottish Tories secured a deal to provide financial support for landlords.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Andy Wightman, Scottish Greens housing spokesman, recently proposed amendments to the emergency legislation which included a two-year rent freeze and measures to ensure that no tenant can be evicted at any time as a result of rent arrears accrued over the course of the coronavirus crisis.
- Mr Wightman said: “Housing is a human right, and access to good housing is a public-health issue; that’s why it is deeply disappointing to see SNP MSPs once again team up with the Tories to block clear progress on social justice.
- He added: “A rent freeze and a ban on evictions based on arrears accumulated as a result of this crisis would have provided much-needed security for people who are financially most at risk.”
- These proposed amendments were supported by Scottish Labour MSP, Pauline McNeill, who had proposed a support fund for tenants who are unable to pay their rent because of reduced income as a result of COVID-19.
- Scottish Labour leader, Richard Leonard, has also said: “It is Scotland’s tenants, not landlords, who face the prospect of eviction if Covid-19 leaves them unable to pay rent.
- “That’s why it’s so disappointing that the SNP, which has set up a ‘landlords’ fund’, joined Tories in voting down our proposal for a tenants’ fund this morning.”
