SNP Work and Pensions spokesperson John Mason MP has welcomed the Scottish Government’s announcement today (Thursday) of a national scheme to safeguard rent deposits and to protect tenants.

Mr Mason, the MP for Glasgow East, said: "More often than not it is the most vulnerable tenants who are victims of unscrupulous landlords who withhold deposits, and this move by the Scottish Government will mean people are treated fairly and promptly when their tenancy comes to an end.

"Labour should have been introduced this sort of scheme a decade ago, but I am delighted that the Scottish Government is taking action to crack down on rogue landlords and give tenants the protection and peace of mind they deserve.

"Over the years I have been contacted by dozens of constituents who have felt powerless when landlords unlawfully withheld their deposits, and this scheme will finally put an end to that."