The Scottish government has pledged an extra £17m to deliver 50,000 affordable homes during the course of this parliament and a further £300m for 2021-22.

Ministers in Scotland claim that in the four years to 2019 they have delivered 147 affordable homes per 100,000 people, compared with 80 in England.

Since 2007 it has delivered around 89,000 affordable homes, including 61,356 for social rent, with the remainder for affordable home ownership and affordable rent.

The additional funding commitment came as part of the Scottish government’s budget last week. 

Communities secretary Aileen Campbell says: “Ensuring everyone has access to a safe, warm and affordable place to call home is at the heart of our ambition for a Fairer Scotland. 

“The 2020-21 Scottish Budget adds to the single biggest investment and delivery of affordable housing since devolution.”

She adds: “The Scottish Government has now committed more than £3.5 bn to deliver good quality, secure and affordable homes, which will in turn help create strong, sustainable communities. 

“Importantly, our spending plans also include a £300m commitment to guarantee that affordable homes continue to be delivered beyond our 50,000 target, ensuring councils, housing associations and the construction sector have some financial certainty ahead of the spending review in June.”