In Edinburgh and the Lothians we have experienced a worryingly steep rise in private rents, which means that a significant and increasing percentage of residents’ disposable income is now going towards something as essential as housing.
In the midst of a pandemic which has caused thousands of deaths, financial hardship and deterioration of our physical and mental health, more needs to be done to support private renters.
It’s shocking that rents for one bedroom properties have increased by an eye watering 46.1% over the last decade. Access to high-quality, affordable housing is a human right and we need to make sure that no one is left behind.