Scotland is set to bring in emergency laws to freeze rents and help tenants weather the worsening cost of living crisis.
Nicola Sturgeon, the first minister, announced the measure as she set out plans to deal with the “humanitarian emergency” caused by soaring energy bills.
“We will take immediate action to protect tenants in the private and social renting sectors,” Ms Sturgeon said.
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She added that rail fares on ScotRail – which was brought into public ownership earlier this year – would be frozen until at least March 2023 and the Scottish child payment will increase to £25 a week for each child from November.
It comes as the rest of the UK waits for Liz Truss to announce her cost of living support package as she takes over as prime minister.
Sky News understands that energy bills are set to be fixed at £2,500and that this will be paid for by borrowing, rather than through a levy on tax.
Ms Sturgeon has repeatedly called for a freeze on the energy price cap and wants an emergency four nations summit to be held on the “cost crisis”.
Speaking at Holyrood as she unveiled her package of measures, she said: “The Scottish government does not have the power to stop your energy bills soaring, but we can and will take action to make sure that your rent does not rise.”
Ms Sturgeon said the purpose of the emergency law will be two-fold.
“Firstly, it will aim to give people security about the roof over their head this winter through a moratorium on evictions,” she said.
“Secondly, the legislation will include measures to deliver a rent freeze.”
Her comments came as she confirmed her government would bring in a bill to hold a second independence referendum in October next year if ministers get the go-ahead on this from the UK Supreme Court.
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Ms Sturgeon said the rising cost of living “highlights the pressing need for independence” as it would “give us the wherewithal to build a better, wealthier, fairer future.”
“We are being reminded every day that where – and in whose hands – power lies really matters,” she said.
