Glasgow SNP MSP Bob Doris – a member of the Scottish Parliament’s Communities and Local Government Committee – has welcomed today’s announcement by the independent Chief Statistician of Scotland  that the number of affordable houses completed in Scotland last year has reached an eight year high.

According to the statistics which were released today:

• 6,221 houses for rent and low cost ownership were completed in 2008-09 - the highest annual figure in 8 years
• This figure is 29% higher than that achieved in 2006-07, under the previous administration
• Compared to just six council houses completed during the previous administrations time in office, 336 council homes were completed during 2008-2009

Commenting Mr Doris said: "The SNP Government has been a welcome breath of fresh air to address the issue of social housing in Scotland. In these hard economic times the provision of over 6,000 affordable houses shows the SNP is serious about boosting jobs in the construction industry.

"And there’s more on the way, working with housing associations and local authorities the SNP Government has already announced £17 million for councils to build 940 new council houses and support for 8,000 new affordable homes this financial year.

"These independent figures put the negative moaning of the opposition into context and show it up for the crying wolf that it is.

"The 336 council houses already built by the SNP Government compares well to Labour's failure to invest in this area with only 6 council houses  built in their four years of administration.

"On a pro-rata basis Scotland is ahead of the game  in providing new council houses.

"The SNP's positive action to support housing, particularly at this difficult time, is keeping the industry going and delivering a renaissance in council house building.

"Affordable good quality housing is essential and the Scotland has what it takes to is deliver better housing across Scotland."

Notes:

The SNP Government’s press release can be read here.