Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has called for a rent freeze and a ban on evictions as part of a package to tackle the cost-of-living crisis.

Labour’s ideas for an emergency cost-of-living bill focus on housing, transport debt and bills.

The plan also includes halving rail fares and capping the cost of bus journeys.

READ MORE: Hundreds of people 'trapped in unsuitable' homeless accommodation in Glasgow

The temporary rent freeze would be in place for between nine months and two years.

The eviction ban would be in place over the winter.

On transport it wants half-price rail fares now ScotRail is in public hands and councils to be given cash to cap bus fares.

It wants to double the Child Payment to £30 a week and give every household a £100 water charge rebate after Scottish Water posted a surplus of half a billion pounds.

READ MORE:Cost of living: Inflation rises to highest in 40 years reaching double figures

Sarwar said: “The cost-of-living crisis is a national emergency on the scale of the pandemic - and dealing with it requires both of Scotland’s governments to move quickly and decisively.”

Sarwar added: “I don’t care who gets the credit. What I care about is people being able to make ends meet during this cost-of-living crisis.

“Ultimately, I couldn’t care whose name is on any amendment on any bill. What I care about is parliament coming together in the national interest right now.”

He said while many of the powers lay with the UK Government, the Scottish Government has a responsibility to act where it can.

Sarwar added: “There’s a moral duty on the Scottish Government to act. They are not commentators, they are in a position of power and they’ve got to use that power and influence.”

He said if they do it, they will have Labour’s support.

Sarwar also wants the UK Government to act, citing more targeted action on reducing energy bills.

He added: “We need a proper plan to reduce inflation across the country.”

Meanwhile, Glasgow Central SNP MP, Alison Thewliss, called for UK Government action as inflation rose above 10%.

The SNP finance spokeswoman said: "It's utterly shameful that the Tory Government is nowhere to be seen while families are worried sick about rising bills and inflation soaring to levels not seen since Margaret Thatcher.

"People need help right now. The Prime Minister and chancellor must come out of hiding, recall parliament and introduce an emergency budget that freezes the energy price cap, scraps VAT on fuel and delivers meaningful financial support for households.

"With every day the UK Government fails to act, it is demonstrating the need for Scotland to become an independent country, with the full powers and levers needed to support families and escape the damage of Westminster control."