SNP rent fund will help out

Linda Fabiani has said a new £10m government fund will support people struggling to pay their rent across EK.

The SNP unveiled their‘tenant hardship loan’ last week, with applications open from the Autumn – this offers interest-free loans to those unable to access other forms of housing support.

Miss Fabiani said:“As we look to rebuild our economy and regain a sense of normality from this pandemic, we can’t simply go back to how things were.

“We know coronavirus has hit the lowest earners hardest, that’s why our government has announced a range of measures designed at tackling inequality and supporting those who need it most.

“This new fund, coupled with existing housing benefits, will mean no one in East Kilbride should be left in a position where they can’t access support to pay their rent.”

The Discretionary Housing Payment fund which helps tenants in receipt of benefits will also increase by £3m, bringing the total to £19m. This is in addition to measures already in place to fully mitigate the Tory bedroom tax in Scotland.

But Tory MSP Graham Simpson has warned the initiative could just drive people into more debt.

He said:“The danger with setting up a loan fund is that it just leads people who are already struggling to get into even greater debt.

“Housing associations have expressed concerns about this and I share these.

“The SNP should be looking at how to help those who can’t pay their rent without adding to their misery.”

The Scottish Government has also extended legislation to protect private and social tenants from eviction until March 2021 – pending approval from Holyrood.