The number of social sector homes across Scotland completed in the past year has increased by 10 per cent, according to official statistics figures released this week.

The latest housing figures also give a breakdown of how 30,133 affordable homes – 133 more than the 30,000 target set by the Scottish Government – have been delivered ahead of schedule, and show the number of social rented homes and council homes have also been exceeded.

The Scottish Government has pledged to invest at least £3 billion to deliver 50,000 affordable homes over the next five years. The extra homes are expected to support, on average, around 20,000 new jobs per year and generate in excess of £10 billion in economic activity over the course of the Parliament.

Housing Minister Margaret Burgess said: “Housing is a key priority for this government, and these statistics show we have exceeded our target to deliver 30,000 affordable homes.

“I’m pleased to see an increase in the number of social sector homes completed in the past year and that private sector starts are also up on last year’s figures.

“High quality, energy efficient, affordable homes form the cornerstone of socially and economically sustainable communities. We have worked hard with the housing sector to deliver these homes as well as develop innovative funding initiatives, such as government guarantees, loans, grant recycling and new sources of private funding, to help both buyers and developers.”