Nicola Sturgeon announces rent freeze for tenants in Scotland

First minister sets out programme for government with measures focused on cost of living crisis

Nicola Sturgeon has announced a rent freeze for public and private properties and a ban on winter evictions in a package of measures deliberately focused" on the cost of living crisis.

Describing pressures on household budgets as a humanitarian emergency", Scotland's first minister set out the annual programme for government as the Holyrood parliament met for the first time after the summer recess.

ScotRail fares will be frozen until at least March 2023.

Extending free school meals to primary 6 and 7 pupils.

The creation in law of a national care service.

A 25m Clyde mission decarbonisation fund to support zero emission heat projects and communal heating systems.

A criminal justice bill to abolish the controversial not proven verdict and introduce statutory anonymity to victims of sexual offences.