An MSP has highlighted the issue of mould and damp in properties after new figures revealed the scale of complaints in relation to the issue over the last 18 years.
The data published by the Scottish Conservatives has shown that more than 160,000 complaints have been made to local authorities in Scotland over damp/mould problems over the time since the SNP came to power.
In fact, the figure is likely to be higher – with several councils providing incomplete data across the time period asked for, and 10 councils also failing to respond to the request entirely.
One of the incomplete data sets comes from Stirling, with 229 complaints reported locally – but this comes from only two years of reporting, in 2014 and 2015.
Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Alexander Stewart labelled the figures as “staggering” and pointed the finger at the SNP.
Mr Stewart said: “Having to live under these sorts of conditions is hugely frustrating and can lead to serious health conditions developing.
“With 300,000 Scots on social housing waiting lists, we have a double whammy of not enough homes being available in the first place and too many of those we do have being unfit for purpose.
“On so many fronts we have a housing emergency and it is time the SNP Housing Minister got a grip of the situation.
“The level of these complaints, not only in Stirling but right across Scotland, should be the urgent wake-up call he needs to ensure everyone living in Stirling and right across our country has access to a safe home.”
A Scottish Government spokeswoman responded: “Landlords for social or private rented homes in Scotland are required to make sure properties are free from damp, have adequate ventilation and are suitably insulated.
“All social landlords, including local authorities, are required to meet the Scottish Housing Quality Standard and to ensure any requests for repairs are carried out in a timely fashion.
“Compliance is monitored by the Scottish Housing Regulator and tenants can escalate complaints to the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman if landlords fail to comply.
“We have a strong track record in affordable housing, having supported the delivery of 135,000 affordable homes since 2007.”
A Stirling Council spokesman added: “Our housing service has its own dedicated rot and damp team, who identify and carry out repair work to ensure homes that have had cases of damp and mould are addressed swiftly.
“To further support this, the service has undertaken the installation of environmental sensors in council homes to assist tenants in monitoring ambient conditions and identifying ways to reduce condensation.
“Any council tenant who experiences dampness or mould in their homes should report this to us on 01786 404040.”