Scots Struggling To Pay Rent

The average rent in Scotland has increased by nearly 3% in the last year, taking the average monthly payment to £537.00.

Analysis also shows that the number of homes in the private rented sector living in poverty has more than doubled in a decade to over 100, 000.

Attempts to place a cap on rent rises to stop tenants being 'ripped off' by landlords were blocked earlier this year by the Scottish Government.

Scottish Labour's Infrastructure spokesman James Kelly said:

"These figures are hugely concerning. Rents are rising fast in some of our most deprived areas. We can and must take action.

"In the absence of a large scale social housing building programme we must make the private rental sector work for the people who need it most – families and people on low pay.

"It was a missed opportunity for the Scottish Government to oppose Scottish Labour proposals to make rents in Scotland fair.

"The events of last week have made clear that we must work together to build a fairer, better, more prosperous Scotland. We can begin by having an honest debate about how we can make renting more affordable for the low paid, so that they can have a home, not just a roof over their heads."