The number of affordable homes built in Scotland this year reached the highest level since records began, according to official figures released today.

There were 33% fewer private sector homes completed between April and June this year than the same period in 2008.

There was a 71% increase in affordable homes funded by the Affordable Housing Investment Programme (AHIP) completed between July and September 2009 compared with the same period in 2008.

In addition to AHIP funded homes, 402 new council houses were completed across Scotland in the four quarters to end September 2009, four times higher than in the same period a year ago.

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Housing and Communities Minister Alex Neil said: "It is disappointing that the level of private new build completions has continued to fall sharply in comparison with previous years.

"However, there was a steep rise in the number of new affordable homes built, which vindicates this government's decision to bring forward some of next year's budget as accelerated expenditure.

"This has allowed us to support the economic recovery when the construction industry was starved of private investment, providing a lifeline to Scotland's house builders and supporting jobs."

The 71% figure is an increase from 1,158 homes to 1,976.

Housing Statistics for Scotland include comprehensive time series data to allow in-depth analyses of housing activity in Scotland up to 30 June 2009 (and up to 30 September 2009 for social sector new build).

The Scottish government is investing more than £1.5 billion over three years in affordable homes across Scotland, exactly as promised.

(GK/KMcA)