A Scottish Green MSP has warned that watered down rent controls would be a "disasterous plan" for tenants.

Mark Ruskell, representing Mid Scotland and Fife, said the Scottish Government's proposed plans to introduce above-inflation rent increases of up to six per cent would be a "betrayal" of households across the region.

Government statistics show that between 2010 and 2023, average rents for a newly-let two-bedroom flat in Fife have risen by 50.8 per cent to £700.

Mr Ruskell said: "This would be a shameful betrayal of households and families in Fife.

"It would lock-in above inflation rent hikes at a time when far too many are struggling to make ends meet.

"Everyone should have a warm, secure and affordable place to call home, but what the SNP is proposing flies in the face of that aspiration."

Earlier this year, legislation to bring rent controls to Scotland was introduced by then Scottish Greens minister, Patrick Harvie, to help curb tenant costs.

The Scottish Government supported this legislation in March, but recently have announced proposals for above-inflation increases, even in rent-controlled areas.

Mr Ruskell said: "If the SNP goes ahead with these disastrous plans they will be selling out renters in communities like Fife and entrenching a broken and unfair system.

"Homes should be for living in, not for profiteering.

"The SNP must not cave in to the landlord lobby and introduce legislation that would impose above inflation rent hikes."

Mr Ruskell urged the SNP to reconsider their plans and work towards a system that "truly transforms" rent control in Scotland.