An Aberdeen MSP is demanding to know what lies behind a “dramatic increase” in eviction orders by the city council.
In 2013-14 a dozen tenants were evicted, with a further 119 leaving their properties once an eviction order had been served, known as a decamp.
However, in the four months of the current financial year to June, there have been four eviction and 68 decamps.
Aberdeen Central SNP MSP Kevin Stewart has written to city council chief executive Angela Scott voicing his concern and asking if the increase was due to a change in council policy or other national policies, such as the bedroom tax.
He said: “I am extremely concerned about the dramatic increase in the number of eviction orders being granted to Aberdeen City Council for the removal of council tenants.
“We need to be clear that the council is using these orders appropriately and that the use of these eviction orders is as a last resort when all other avenues have been exhausted.
“The stress and disruption that these orders cause to families can be immense and as such it should not be used a shortcut in ensuring rents are paid.”
Mr Stewart, a member of the Scottish Parliament’s welfare reform committee, said anecdotal evidence suggested that the situation in Aberdeen was worse than other parts of the country.
He said: “Eviction orders are not in the interests of the council or their tenants and I hope that work will be done to bring the use of eviction orders back under control.”
A council spokesman said: “When the chief executive receives the letter she will respond in due course.”