Across Scotland, landlords and tenants will be consulted over objectives to impose rent restrictions north of the border.
Scottish Labour intends to introduce this new legislation, relating rents to average wages, with tenants given the authority to oppose or challenge unfair charges.
Scottish Labour Leader, Richard Leonard allegedly made no secret of his desire to control rents and restrict the authority of private landlords in Scotland, despite concerns that it could have an adverse impact on tenants.
In his keynote speech, ‘Mary Barbour Law’ is named after the Red Clydeside political activist who played an integral role in the rent strikes of 1915.
Leonard has reiterated his intention to reform the rental market in Scotland.
He commented: “Too many young families are caught in a vicious cycle – a lack of affordable public housing forces people to rent privately and as a result many are paying rip-off rents which stops them saving for a deposit to buy their own home.
“Our proposals for a Mary Barbour law will seek to regulate the private rented sector to ensure that no one is forced to rent a home that pushes them into poverty or falls below the standards needed to protect their physical and mental health and well-being.
“A home is a basic fundamental human right. The Scottish Parliament must endure that that everyone can exercise this right to live in security, peace, and dignity.
“While the SNP tinkers around the edges, Labour will deliver real change. The first step towards that is this a major discussion paper to guide our reforms.”