New proposals to improve the private rented sector are welcome but are only 'halfway' to the bigger reforms that are really needed.

That's according to housing and homelessness charity, Shelter Scotland, as it responds to the publication of the Scottish Government's Private Housing (Scotland) Bill, put out for consultation today (Monday).

Gordon MacRae, Head of Communications and Policy, Shelter Scotland, housing and homelessness charity, said: 'Last week's pictures of Govanhill in Glasgow show that slum landlords are still with us. Although most landlords do a good job, there is a persistent minority who tarnish the reputation of all.

'There's some good ideas published today (Monday) and we will go through the proposals in full in the weeks to come.  But it is only really a Halfway House Bill. Measures to improve the private rented sector must go further for the benefit of tenants and good landlords.

'This would mean the Scottish Government committing to a second bill covering the likes of an overhaul of regulation of the private rented sector, including landlord registration, a revamp of tenancy laws to promote longer term tenancies, and effective action against illegal eviction.'

He added: 'A properly regulated private rented sector that ensures a safe and secure home for tenants, as well as giving landlords the chance to work within a professional, high quality area of housing is where Scotland needs to get to.'