Scottish Government under fire for failing to address ‘housing emergency’
Summary
Propertymark has criticised the Scottish Government’s latest Programme for Government for not doing enough to address Scotland’s housing emergency. The concerns raised focus on rising rents, affordability, property taxation, tribunal resourcing and proposed tenant purchase rights, with particular attention to potential valuation and administration issues linked to the Council Tax (Scotland) Bill.
Why it matters
The article highlights policy and tax developments that could affect residential transactions, landlord costs and rental pricing in Scotland. Surveyors may also be affected by any increase in valuation disputes or administrative workload arising from council tax band changes and related housing measures.
Key points
- Propertymark says housing was barely addressed in the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government.
- The trade body argues that rising rents and a lack of affordable housing remain unresolved.
- Calls were made for reduced property taxes and landlord costs, and for a better-resourced First Tier Tribunal.
- The proposed right of first refusal for tenants is described as needing to be workable and evidence based.
- The Council Tax (Scotland) Bill could create valuation and administration disputes for higher-value properties.
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