Councillors vote to pursue Rent Pressure Zones in Glasgow

PRS housing stockA motion to commission a report to investigate the possibility of introducing Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs) across Glasgow has been approved by councillors.

Designed to cap any future increase in rent in a local authority area, RPZs will become available as part of the new Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Bill which is due to come in to place at the end of the year.

The move follows an average rent increase of 34% over the last five years.

A motion by SNP councillor Ruairi Kelly was backed by the Greens and Labour councillors at a meeting of the council.

Mr Kelly said someone working on the minimum wage could spend half their income of rent if they are in an average private rented home.

“Rent Pressure Zones will go a long way to addressing this problem,” he added.

Greens councillor Christy Mearns called for the report to be complete by next June.

Ms Mearns said: “Rental hikes have hit Glaswegians hard as landlords raise prices disproportionately compared to the rise in incomes.”

Groups such as Living Rent, Govan Law Centre and Shelter Scotland will now be invited to participate in a feasibility study which will be sent to housing minister Kevin Stewart before a final decision can be made.

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