EAST Lothian Council has backed a campaign calling for reform of the private rented sector.

The local authority has signed up to support Shelter Scotland’s Make Renting Right campaign, which aims to make Scotland’s growing private rented sector fit for families and fairer for all.

Across the country, a major shortage of affordable housing has led to a substantial growth in private renting, with 312,000 families and individuals calling the private rented sector home in Scotland.

Councillor Norman Hampshire, the local authority’s spokesman for housing and environment, was among those pledging to support the campaign.

He said: “The council is pleased to support Shelter Scotland’s campaign to give people living in private rented accommodation improved security and options.

“East Lothian Council aims to build strong communities and anything that helps towards that is to be welcomed.” Graeme Brown, director of the charity, was pleased to see the local authority joining the campaign.

He said: “The benefits of reform in the private rented sector would not just be felt by tenants.

“Landlords in East Lothian and across Scotland too would see a more constant and predictable income with less downtime between rents and a more stable relationships with their tenants.

“That’s why we are asking people to support our campaign to positively reform the private rented sector and turn it into a place where the increasing numbers of people who rely on it can make a house a home and live with increased security and dignity.”