LONG-TERM rent controls are necessary, argues a Clacks representative, following years of price hikes.

Statistics from the Scottish Government show that between 2022 and 2023 average monthly rent for a newly-let two-bedroom flat in the Forth Valley reached £748, an increase of 7.3 per cent.

And between 2010 and 2023, rents increased by nearly 52 per cent in the area, with Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Mark Ruskell pointing to the figures as he called for long-term rent controls in the country.

As previously reported, the temporary rent cap and eviction moratorium protections brought in by the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) Act 2022 will no longer apply from April 1.

Until then, any rent increases notices must still comply with the current cap of three per cent and three months' notice will need to be given on any increases proposed after.

Thousands could be affected as the latest figures estimate there are around 2,420 privately rented dwellings across Clackmannanshire, accounting for 9.7 per cent of homes in the area.

However, the cap has not covered rents set when tenants change, and these have continued to rise, in line with rises across the UK.

Mr Ruskell, Scottish Green representative for the region, said: “There are few things as important as where we live, but the rent hikes we have seen in Stirling and Clacks have put a lot of households and families under pressure.

“That’s why the rent freeze and protections that the Scottish Government introduced have been so crucial.

“They have provided support and stability, with some families in the Forth Valley having saved hundreds of pounds.

“It was a bold decision that went beyond anything that we have seen from Downing Street, where the Tory government has spent 14 years offering huge giveaways for bankers, polluters and the super-rich at the same time as cutting services we all rely on and benefits for many of the most vulnerable people.

“In the near future we are also committed to introducing new laws which would implement permanent rent controls and eviction protections while giving tenants the right to keep pets and decorate their homes and much more.”

The next few weeks are expected to see the publication of the new Housing Bill that will be led by Scottish Green minister Patrick Harvie to provide new rights and protections for tenants across Scotland, including a long-term system of rent controls.

As reported earlier this month, Mr Harvie was at Clackmannanshire Citizens Advice Bureau to kick off an awareness campaign on the changes coming on April 1.

He said: “Subject to parliamentary approval, the system of checking rent rises will be adjusted from April 1 so that rents are not simply jumping to market levels in all cases in one step.

“I would encourage anyone who is currently renting or about to enter the rental market to check the rights that exist to protect them from unfair practices.”