Chamber and committees

What is your view, Kelly?

Good morning. I have a couple of questions on the rural aspect. Anna Gardiner, I will start with you. Could you comment in more detail on how the private rented sector is different in rural areas? Do you believe that the bill is too focused on addressing the needs of urban areas as opposed to rural areas?

Analysis of figures by the Office for National Statistics has shown that average rents in Scotland have increased by 16.5 per cent since the introduction of the rent cap in October 2022. That is faster than the increase elsewhere in the United Kingdom. Do you have any evidence on how the cap impacted on the experience of tenants and landlords, as well as on the supply of private rented accommodation?

There would be certain circumstances for charging higher rents. We have heard about the need for balance between landlords and tenants. Landlords have talked about how their insurance is dearer and their mortgage rates are higher. Do you think that that is one of the circumstances in which higher rents could be charged, or not?

Good morning. I thank the witnesses for their opening statements.

A common criticism of the emergency rent cap that was enacted in October 2022 was that it was not adequately consulted on and that it placed an undue burden on landlords. What lessons can be learned from that experiment? How well does the bill balance the rights of tenants with the rights of landlords?

Good morning to the panel, and thank you very much for coming along.

What are your views on the bill’s rent control area provisions? Is the process for declaring a rent control area sufficiently clear? Will it lead to rent stabilisation in the affected areas?

I think that some of you have partly answered this question, but perhaps you can add some detail. How the rent control areas will work in practice has still to be decided. For example, we do not know much about the way in which the rent increase might be limited, which properties might be exempt or the circumstances in which higher rents might be charged. What are your views on that? What approach should be taken on those issues?

I think that you are absolutely right. We have heard the evidence about certainty and what the market brings. Supply is a big issue, obviously, because we need more of that. You mentioned that people are leaving the sector, given the age of the people who rent out properties, but we need to ensure that that supply continues.

I think that Deborah wants to comment.

What are your views on the rent control area provisions in the bill? Is the process for declaring a rent control area sufficiently clear? Do you think that it will lead to rent stabilisation in the affected areas?

Good morning. Housing developers have said that rent controls are hindering the supply of new homes. Has any assessment been made of the bill’s impact on the supply of private homes? What evidence do you have on how the private rented sector has been changing in the light of the recent rent increase cap?