AN MSP has highlighted years of rent hikes in Inverclyde and says they show why long term rent controls are necessary.

The Green Party's Ross Greer says that Scottish Government statistics show that between 2010 and 2023 average rents for a newly-let two bedroom flat in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde reached £638, an increase of 34.9 per cent.

The Scottish Greens published a new bill in March which will introduce sweeping new rights and protections for tenants, including rent controls and the right to decorate and keep pets.

Mr Greer is now urging MSPs from other parties to back the bill.

He said: “There are few things as important as our homes, but the rent hikes we’ve seen in Inverclyde have put many households and families under huge pressure.

“That’s why the temporary rent cap and protections introduced by the Scottish Greens have been so crucial. They provided support and stability, with families in Inverclyde having saved hundreds of pounds.

“Our bill here in Scotland will bring us in line with the rights and protections enjoyed by tenants across Europe.

"The huge increases in rents over recent years in Inverclyde make clear how important this bill will be here."