The Scottish Government will “betray tenants across Inverclyde” if they go ahead with plans to water down rent controls and impose above inflation rent hikes, the Scottish Greens have claimed.

Rent control legislation was introduced to Parliament earlier this year by then-minister for tenants' rights and co-leader of the Scottish Greens, Patrick Harvie.

The Scottish Government supported this legislation in March, but has since announced that they will allow above-inflation rent increases, even in areas where rent controls will be brought in.

Scottish Government statistics show that between 2010 and 2023 average rents for a newly-let two-bedroom flat in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde reached £638, an increase of 34.9 per cent.

Ross Greer, Green MSP for the West Scotland region, which includes Inverclyde, said: “Watering down the Scottish Greens’ rent control plans to allow for above-inflation rent increases would be a shameful betrayal of tenants in Inverclyde by the SNP.

"People are struggling to make ends meet and rents have increased by far more than wages for many years now, but it looks like the government is once again taking the side of the landlord lobby rather than tenants.

“Everyone should have a warm, secure and affordable place to call home. That’s why the Scottish Greens brought in 2022’s emergency rent freeze and evictions ban to protect families during the worst of the cost of living crisis.

"What the SNP is proposing flies in the face of that aspiration. 

“If the Government goes ahead with these disastrous plans, they will be selling-out renters in communities like Inverclyde and entrenching a broken and unfair housing system.  

“Homes should be for living in, not for profiteering. The SNP have caved in to pressure from the landlord lobby, but there is still time for them to drop these plans and support the strong rent control proposals already in the bill as written by the Scottish Greens."

A majority of MSPs on the Scottish Parliament's housing have backed the government's plans for rent controls, but said further clarity is needed.

Releasing a report on the Bill, the committee said there is uncertainty around how the law would operate in practice which could impact investment in the sector.

Those supporting the Bill recognised that “it is not in itself the answer to the housing emergency”.

Housing secretary Paul McLennan said: “The Housing (Scotland) Bill will support people to stay in their homes and provide earlier intervention to prevent homelessness.

“We want to see a private rented sector that works for tenants and responsible landlords and recognises the benefit of investment in rented housing.

“Our proposals for a long-term rent control will provide greater certainty around costs for private tenants in areas where rent control applies, whilst reflecting the needs of landlords, investors and developers.”