Director of housing charity Shelter Scotland, Graeme Brown, today (Tuesday) said the Scottish Government's review of the private rented sector in Scotland was a 'missed opportunity'.

He said: 'This review, which we welcomed to highlight how the sector can help meet housing need in Scotland, is a missed opportunity. We are disappointed that a wider group of stakeholders were not involved, for example, tenant groups or the voluntary sector.

'The report suggests that the recent growth in the private rented sector comes from those keen to make a buck through rising house prices. This is no base to build a stable sector and Shelter urges the Scottish Government to seek long-term investment, either through housing associations keen to develop a semi-commercial arm, or landlords' looking to play a semi-social role.

'Secondly, Shelter believes a proper review of the tenancy regime in Scotland should be carried out. For too long, tenants have had short term contracts that have short changed them on settling down and knowing they have a secure place to stay. The current system of six-month tenancies is 20 years old and needs revamped.

'Thirdly, with an estimated £6 million in tenancy deposits being withheld unfairly each year, according to tenants, Scotland needs a tenancy deposit scheme. We call on the Scottish Government to commit to introduce this in the lifetime of this parliament.

'Finally, moves to house homeless people in private rented accommodation and spending public funds to do so should only go ahead if concerns about tenancy length, support and affordability can be addressed. Housing homeless people in private lets should not be seen as a replacement for building more affordable rented housing. Scotland needs 10,000 affordable rented homes a year.'

The review can be read here.