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Scottish Greens hail rent freeze and eviction measures

Scottish Green MSPs have strongly welcomed the publication of emergency legislation to freeze rents and suspend evictions until at least March 31st.

The Emergency Bill, published today by the Scottish Government, will be led through the Scottish Parliament by Scottish Greens co-leader and Tenants Rights Minister, Patrick Harvie MSP.

Hailing the move, Scottish Greens housing spokesperson Ariane Burgess MSP said:

“This will be a crucial week for tenants all across Scotland. 

“We are living through the worst cost crisis for generations, with inflation soaring and bills skyrocketing. 

“One of the biggest expenses people have is housing, which is why this emergency legislation is so important. It provides immediate support to tenants at the sharp end of the crisis this winter. 

"This approach stands in stark contrast to the cruelty and incompetence of the UK Government and its so-called mini-budget, which was a multi-billion pound giveaway to the bankers, the polluters and the super wealthy. 

“Over the course of this parliamentary term we will be introducing the biggest expansion of tenants rights since devolution, including better rights and protections and rent controls. 

"This was a core part of the partnership agreement between the Scottish Greens and the Scottish Government. That vital work continues.  

“No home can be left behind if we are to build a recovery that works for people and communities.

“With the powers of an independent country, Scotland could do so much more to tackle the cost crisis head on. But today’s Bill shows that with the Scottish Greens working constructively in government, we are leading the way once again.”