A total of 7,122 social sector new build homes were started in Scotland last year, more than at any time since the 1970s.

The total is based on official statistics on housing association new build starts and local authority new build starts in 2009.

The homes are funded through the Scottish Government's Affordable Housing Investment Programme, the Incentivising New Council House Building fund for council house building and through councils own budgets.


Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "These figures underline the determination of this Government to boost the supply of affordable homes across Scotland.

"I am proud that in 2009 more social sector houses were started than at any time sine the 1970s. This has provided real help for the building industry and more homes for those in housing need.

"We acted decisively by bringing forward £120 million funding from 2010/11 into this year. Doing so provided vital work for the construction sector and accelerated Scotland's economic recovery.

"It was spent early because we wanted to make sure that during the recession we maximised the amount of spend.

"That is why we repeat the call for a further round of accelerated spending into 2010/11 from the UK Government in the March 24 budget."

(GK)