The Scottish Government has launched a consultation to seek the views of private landlord, as it prepares amendments to the secondary legislation governing the landlord registration scheme.

The consultation will run until October 10, and ivites view on proposed changes such as changes to the fee and discount structure, exemptions,  and the recommendation that the advice and assistance regulations be extended to place a duty on local authorities to provide advice to tenants who report an unregistered landlord.

Communities Minister Stewart Maxwell said: "We've seen dramatic progress in the past year or so in driving up the registration rates and this is something both tenants and landlords should welcome.

"We think our proposals will streamline the system, making it easier for landlords to apply to and councils to administer. At the same time, we want to make sure that tenants are getting the right advice and support from their local authorities."