The BBC has recently disclosed that the government is holding discussions to extend the Renters Reform Bill to make it illegal for any rental listing banning benefits recipients or families from applying.

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The proposal is also being discussed for Scotland and Wales to be included as currently the Renters Reform Bill if regulated applies only to England. 

The BBC cited Housing Secretary Michael Gove explaining that a triumvirate approach across UK would "send a clear message to providers".

The BBC report says: “Mr Gove has written to Scottish Housing Minister Paul McLennan to offer a joint approach. He said talks had also taken place with the Welsh government.”

Gove is quoted as saying: “We know this is a priority we share with the Scottish government, and would send a clear message to providers across the whole of Great Britain.”

A Scottish government spokesperson says: "We are aware of the UK government's plans to introduce a ban on excluding those in receipt of benefits and those who have children, and welcome this proposal.

"We will work with the UK government as it develops its plans to consider how best to protect these groups in Scotland”, bit there was a caveat of any partnership approach: “must include a close examination of the UK government's decision to freeze Local Housing Allowance rates at 2020 levels for the third year running", and saying being able to afford a home is, "the far more significant barrier to accessing a privately rented home".

The BBC in tandem also uncovered in its investigation that thousands of rental home listings posted by agents and landlords said children and pets are banned.