A Scottish paramedic recently shared his struggles with rising rents in Glasgow, which are making it difficult for NHS workers to afford to live close to their workplaces. Logan Vaughn, 31, faced eviction from his previous tenancy in August and was forced to find a new place to live. After weeks of searching, he and his partner were able to take over a friend’s tenancy, but the rent had increased significantly from £750 to £1,200.
Logan explained, “It’s an extortionate amount of money, but we were out of options. I’m newly qualified and doing relief work, so I need to be close to several ambulance stations within Glasgow. Work is non-stop, and after a long shift, you just want to get home. More experienced colleagues often live outside the city because it’s too expensive to raise a family here. But they have to face long commutes, especially for those of us who can’t afford a car and rely on public transport.”
He expressed concern that if the rent continues to increase, he may have to request a transfer, which would impact the NHS in the city. Logan’s situation has highlighted the lack of affordable housing in Glasgow, with campaigners urging the city council to address the growing problem. Average rents for private lets have increased significantly over the years, making it challenging for many people, including healthcare workers, to find suitable accommodation.
Bianca Lopez, Chair of Living Rent Glasgow, emphasized the need for more affordable housing to prevent tenants from being trapped in insecure and expensive living situations. She criticized the Glasgow City Council for prioritizing luxury developments over the needs of its residents and called for more social housing to be built. MSPs, including Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie, have also spoken out about the issue, advocating for robust rent controls to ensure housing remains affordable for all.
In response to the concerns raised, a Glasgow City Council spokesperson stated that almost half of all homes built in Glasgow in recent years are affordable, exceeding the 25% target set in the NPF4 policy. However, there are ongoing discussions about the need for more affordable housing in the city to address the challenges faced by residents like Logan. The Scottish Government has been approached for comment on the matter.
The story of Logan Vaughn sheds light on the struggles faced by many NHS workers and other residents in Glasgow due to rising rents and the lack of affordable housing options. It underscores the importance of addressing these issues to ensure that essential workers can continue to serve their communities without facing financial hardship or housing insecurity.
