THE Scottish government has once again come under fire for “failing tenants” after watering down rent control plans.

SNP housing minister Paul McLennan sparked outcry from housing campaigners last month when he told MSPs plans to include rent controls in long-awaited housing Bill had been loosened.

He told Holyrood that rent increases of 1 per cent above CPI inflation up to a maximum of 6 per cent a year would be allowable as the government pursued a “balanced approach that provides appropriate protection for the property rights of landlords.”