With Scotland’s rent cap scrapped last month, Govanhill residents run the risk of being hit with unaffordable rent hikes — some as high as 100%. As protections vanish, housing campaigners warn of a deepening crisis and urge tenants to organise for rent controls and community stability.

In July 2024, people from the Roma community living in Govanhill were surveyed on their experiences with housing conditions and the local environment. The study found that basic human rights are not being supported when it comes to housing with the majority of those surveyed saying the conditions of their homes were poor.

We held an inaugural Open House event in the Community Newsroom, alongside The Ferret. Local residents, representatives from community organisations, and industry experts were invited along to hone in on and discuss a pressing issue affecting the local community and what can be done about it. This month we focused on and led a discussion on the housing crisis here in Scotland.