Rent freeze and ban on evictions this winter welcomed by Moray Councillors

A RENT freeze and ban on evictions over the winter has been welcomed by local councillors.

The measures were part of the Scottish Government's response to the cost-of-living crisis as First Minister Nicola Sturgeon set out her programme for government earlier today.

Locally, the SNP co-spokespeople on housing, Cllr Theresa Coull (Keith-Cullen) and Cllr Jérémie Fernandes (Elgin North) welcomed the move.

Cllr Coull said: "We know that many landlords are trying to increase rents to take advantage of the shortage of private rentals in Moray.

"For many tenants, a rent increase on top of increased fuel costs and food bills would have been unaffordable.

"During a cost-of-living crisis, freezing rents is the right thing to do."

And Cllr Fernandes said the moratorium on evictions was a great step.

"A recent report that came to Moray Council’s Housing Committee indicated that many landlords are trying to cash in on the buoyant housing market and looking to sell their houses for big profits, with the risk of making people homeless this winter.

"I am sure that tenants will find comfort in the fact that the Scottish Government will protect them this winter."

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