RENT controls in the private sector moved a step closer after the council agreed to a study to investigate imposing Rent Pressure Zones.

The move would mean setting a cap on rent rises in the private sector after it has been noted that increases have averages 34% over the last five years.

A motion by SNP councillor Ruairi Kelly was backed by the Greens and Labour councillors at a meeting of the council.

Mr Kelly said: “Rent Pressure Zones will go a long way to addressing this problem.

He said someone working on the minimum wage could spend half their income of rent if they are in an average private rented home.

The Greens backed the move and called for the report to be complete by next June.

Councillor Christy Mearns said“Rental hikes have hit Glaswegians hard as landlords raise prices disproportionately compared to the rise in incomes.2”

Campaigners from the Living Rent organisation protested outside the City Chambers calling for action on rent rises.

Craig Paterson of Living Rent said: “this motion being passed is the first concrete step towards city wide rent controls.

“It will be a long battle but it’s one we intend to win.”