Renters in Edinburgh are struggling. Year in, year out rents go up far faster than wages, and it is reaching a breaking point. Edinburgh City Council has the power to designate areas as so-called ‘rent pressure zones’ and bring in rent controls, to stop landlords ripping tenants off for poor-quality housing. It’s time for them to use these powers.

The Scottish Government is currently promoting the increase of forestry by awarding huge sums of money through the Forestry Grant Scheme. But this is being abused by some landowners. Currently landlords are in a position to legally evict tenants, who are in non-secure leases through no fault of their own, and then obtain large sums of money from the Scottish public purse to plant trees on viable agricultural land. Every farm unit that closes means a loss of livelihood to the tenants, a loss of tenant farmers for Scotland, a loss of farming diversity in a country with the most concentrated pattern of land ownership in the developed world, and a loss of people, skills and trade for fragile rural economies. I first became aware of this when good friends who had farmed as managers for a previous tenant for 8 years, and a further 10 years in their own right, were abruptly told that their lease would not be renewed and their farming ground would be turned over to trees. I have witnessed at first hand how their lives have been devastated. All attempts to negotiate an extension have been handled appallingly by the landlord's estate and even the intervention of MSPs, the new Land Commission, and the local Tenants Association, have failed to halt the imminent eviction.

We were all disgusted when Gloucester City Council put up these posters in Gloucester suggesting people should not give to those sleeping rough on the streets and suggesting they have accommodation. The posters were clearly a 'prelude' to the introduction of Public Space Protection Orders in Gloucester (PSPO's). In other parts of the country, these are being used to 'socially cleanse' cities and towns of rough sleepers so that they are essentially 'banned' from certain areas. Rough sleepers can also face fines if found in these areas. PSPO's give councils the power to remove people for non criminal behavior and the latest Home office advice (December 2017) states that PSPO's should not be used to target rough sleepers. This is a cruel and ill thought out approach to solving homelessness in Gloucester . In Gloucester many vulnerable people have no accommodation and due to 'ideological' cuts to funding, they have little, if any support when they're on the streets. By introducing PSPO's, the council will only move the problem, but not solve it. What's more, the most obvious solution would be for Gloucester City Council to open more shelters and open buildings that they already own for the homeless as there is nowhere near enough accommodation available in Gloucester.

It would make land more affordable before the speculator moves in .

Rents are on the increase, that is a fact. Homelessness and debt are too, also a fact. People are finding it harder and harder to meet the demands of paying rent that is astronomical in proportion to what is being paid in salaries. A recent study shows 37% of a monthly income goes on rent - that's before any other expenses are even calculated. Personally in my situation, i know its more like 60% that goes on my rent and i know many others are in the same boat. As the rent goes up, people can't pay and end up in personal debt, landlords end up with debt and rent goes up further to prevent debt in the future for the next tenant. I urge the Minister and parliament to consider introducing a rent controls act to stop this vicious circle and protect both the most vulnerable and the providers of housing at the same time.

Glasgow Green is in danger of suffering through over use. Locals, residents and those who use the Green have no obvious route to obtain information or to share concerns in relation to the 33 events due to occur in 2018. At present, the choice about whether to consult with the community lies with the few. The method by which views are collated are largely dictated by event organisers. Sign here if you think that consultation should be ongoing, meaningful and reflective of the collective needs of locals, residents and The Green alike. Thank you

For several years Stratford Shopping Centre have stayed open 24hrs a day allowing for those whom are homeless to have somewhere dry and secure to shelter/sleep during the night. However as of today (29/01/2018) they have handed orders to all those currently staying in the centre, ordering them to leave with immediate effect. This means the homeless people are being forced out on to the streets in these extreme weathers, some of these people don’t even own a sleeping bag or adequate warm clothing which means they are at high risk of falling extremely ill. We are petitioning for Stratford Centre/Newham Council to rethink their decision and to continue allowing for our homeless friends to continuing using Stratford as a secure place for them to be during the night as many of them are highly vulnerable and some are also very elderly. Newham Council urgently need to support these homeless people with their housing/accommodation as these people cannot continue living on the streets.

No current facilities available in Northampton for people to use .

Siohbon Carey is a young lady with severe Epilepsy that causes her to be in Todd's paralysis a stroke like state after a seizure that can be exacerbated through stress. Siohbon at the moment is living in an upstairs flat that is totally unsuitable for her needs. Her home for months has been infested with Rats, Bluebottles and Maggots and these facts alone haven't compelled the housing to move her to somewhere suitable for her needs. Siohbon's case was highlighted in the Glasgow Evening Times: http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/15825678.Glasgow_tenant_forced_to_live_with_rats__flies_and_maggots/

Homelessness is an issue that can affect any one of us. It is getting worse and more needs to be done both nationally and locally. However, people living on the streets deserve to be treated with compassion, understanding and empathy and they most certainly DO NOT deserve to be demonised, vilified, persecuted or mistreated.

We are fully supportive of the initiatives that are in place to help homeless people and would welcome these being publicised in a positive way so that the public are aware as to what they can do to help the homeless. However these posters do little more than attack the individual liberty of city residents and demonise one of the most vulnerable groups in our city. Streetlink is an important organisation but its advertised in small print at the bottom of the page. The current campaign is based on negativity and not the right way to go about things.

We do not accept the level of power that is given to the developers of our city. We demand that all new housing developments should have both insulated buildings AND renewable energy. This requirement should not be dropped because of 'urban design'. We do not accept unsustainable development that contributes to climate change; our communities need clean energy, transport links, and schools, doctors surgeries and amenities.