Updates

Scottish Greens call for two-year rent freeze

Wed 13 May, 2020

The second set of emergency laws to be made in Scotland during the COVID-19 pandemic must protect vulnerable tenants, the Scottish Greens have said.

Following a Scottish Government U-turn on the needs for students to be freed from restrictive private accommodation contracts, the Greens will lodge amendments to the new emergency bill to protect other vulnerable tenants.

These will include a two-year rent freeze following the expiry of the emergency period.

Commenting, Scottish Greens housing spokesperson Andy Wightman MSP said:

Cooperation key to ensure adequate death investigations

Wed 13 May, 2020

Responding to a statement from the Lord Advocate to parliament this afternoon, Scottish Greens Justice Spokesperson John Finnie MSP said: 

“I welcome confirmation from the Lord Advocate that deaths in care homes and those of people who are believed to have contracted Covid19 at their workplace will now be reported to the Crown Office. 

“It’s essential that frontline workers are offered every protection in their workplace, and investigation must take place if there is any doubt that hasn’t been the case. 

Furlough announcement creates further uncertainty

Tue 12 May, 2020

Responding to the announcement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the furlough scheme this afternoon, Scottish Greens Co-Leader Patrick Harvie MSP said:

“While I welcome the Chancellor’s huge U-turn on furlough, backing down from suggestions that he would immediately lower the rate of these essential payments, his announcement today will create further uncertainty and anxieties.

Scottish Greens respond to change of Covid19 guidance

Sun 10 May, 2020

Responding to the First Minister’s statement this afternoon, Scottish Greens Parliamentary Co-Leader Alison Johnstone MSP said: 

“I welcome confirmation from the First Minister that the Scottish Government will update its guidance to allow additional exercise. This will provide huge benefits for physical and mental health and will come as a particular relief to those without their own garden.