Legislation to improve tenants' rights and introduce homelessness
prevention measures has completed Stage 2 scrutiny by a
cross-party committee of MSPs.
The Scottish Government introduced the Housing (Scotland) Bill to
the Scottish Parliament last year to help tackle poverty by
improving the experience of renters and introducing a range of
new duties to prevent homelessness.
The Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee approved a
number of Scottish Government amendments to the Bill at Stage 2,
including powers to implement Awaab's Law that would give social
tenants greater protection against damp and mould, and measures
to set out how rents could be capped in rent control areas.
Social Justice Secretary said:
“The Housing Bill will play an important role in our efforts to
tackle poverty by keeping rent affordable and ensuring people can
stay in their homes by securing tenancies.
“Our amendments on rent control not only provide certainty for
tenants but also provide more clarity to the housing sector on
what our rent control proposals will look like, giving investors
confidence to continue to support housebuilding in Scotland.
“We have also introduced plans to implement Awaab's Law which
will mean everyone can have the right to live in a warm, safe and
secure home free from disrepair.
“Scotland has led the way in protecting tenants and providing
rights for people threatened with homelessness. The Housing Bill
will provide even greater protection, so I am pleased the
Committee has completed its Stage 2 scrutiny and I look forward
to working with Members across the chamber as the legislation
goes through the final Stage 3 process.”
Background
Housing (Scotland) Bill |
Scottish Parliament Website
