SNP MSP Bob Doris has today welcomed official figures showing a record number of public sector affordable homes were built in the last year.

The figures show that nearly 5,000 affordable homes were built last year by housing associations or local authorities.

The Scottish Government brought forward £100 million of investment in affordable housing last August to help the construction industry through the downturn.  In addition £50 million has been made available to local authorities for new council house building.

SNP MSP Bob Doris said: "The impact of the recession on private developers is clear but today's figures show the record funding from the Scottish Government to housing associations and councils has helped to ease the pressure on the construction industry.

"With private sector home builders pulling back because of the recession it was essential investment in affordable housing by councils and housing associations could fill the gap.

"The SNP Government acted quickly last August to bring forward £100 million of housing investment to support our construction industry through tough times and while this recession still has a long way to go this pubic sector support has clearly helped to ease the impact on the housing industry."

Commenting on a fall in right to buy sales Mr Doris added: "It is encouraging to see that public sector housing stock is staying in public hands.  The reform of right to buy has had some impact.

"It is now essential that to continue encouraging local authorities and housing associations to build and invest in new affordable homes we bring an end to the right to buy on all new builds."

Note:

Scottish Government Housing Statistics can be found here.