Rent freeze analysis: FOI release

Information requested

On 28th December 2023, The Scottish Daily Express published this article:

https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/snp-analysed-rent-freeze-failures-31914905 int_source=amp_continue_reading&int_medium=amp&int_campaign=continue_reading_button#amp-readmore-target

It included the following statement:

“Now, the Scottish Daily Express can reveal that the Scottish Government undertook its own analysis on how a rent freeze has worked in other countries, including Germany and Republic of Ireland, with the reports finding that it had mainly failed. Despite this, it still went ahead with implementing it.”

Please can you publish the FOI response to the Scottish Daily Express which includes the documents referenced in the above story?

Response

We aim to publish the information requested within 12 weeks of the date of your request. However as the information has already been released, we can share this with you in this instance.

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance we are unable to provide some of the information you have requested because exemptions under 38(1)(b) (personal information) of FOISA apply to that information. An exemption under section 38 (1) (B) applies to names or personal data that might identify people. This exemption is not subject to the public interest test so we are not required to consider if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in withholding the information. Some of the information you have requested is otherwise accessible. Under section 25(1) of FOISA, we do not have to give you information which is already reasonably accessible to you. If, however, you do not have internet access to obtain this information from the website(s) listed, then please contact me again and I will send you a paper copy.

Links to international evidence analysed, in addition to the documents released are:

“Housing in Scotland: Evidence for Scottish Government 2021-26”

Would a freeze on rents be constitutional in Ireland? – The Irish Times Rent freeze: what will the Greens achieve if it comes into effect in Queensland? | Housing | The Guardian

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/aug/31/rent-freeze-what-will-the-greens-achieve-if-itcomes-
into-effect-in-queensland

https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/bills/2022/3104/Residential-Tenancies-and-Rooming-Accommodation-(Rent-Freeze)-Amendment-Bill-2022-d6e9.pdf

Please note that much of the international evidence was considered as part of wider rent control policy development but was also relevant when we were considering the Cost of Living Act.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at http://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.

FOI 202400394735 - Information released - Attachments

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