The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations has welcomed figures that show a reduction in Right to Buy sales.

Statistics released this week by the SNP show a reduction in the number of social houses lost to the socially rented sector since the party came to power in 2007.

The figures show that in 2006/07, 16,262 socially rented homes were lost to the sector through the right to buy - compared to 3,744 in 2010/11.

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Andy Young, Policy Manager at SFHA said: "While we are pleased to see a sharp reduction in Right to Buy sales resulting from Scottish Government policy alongside the prevailing economic circumstances, we feel that there is currently a perfect set of circumstances which allow for a line to be drawn under the Right to Buy in Scotland once and for all. The SFHA has campaigned long and hard for its abolition and we were delighted to hear the Housing Minister announce it as one of two potential reforms in the Scottish Government consultation at our annual conference. Right to Buy has had its day but now has no place in an affordable rented sector that is striving to meet the growing housing needs of Scotland's population. The stark fact is that in 21st century Scotland the demand for rented accommodation is now far outstripping supply."

(NE)