Industry body Homes For Scotland has said that while the latest housing statistics show a continuing overall decrease in the number of new homes started and completed in the year to September 2013, the Scottish Government must do more to tackle difficulties within the sector.

Philip Hogg, Chief Executive of Homes for Scotland, explained: "Today's figures highlight the ongoing difficulties facing not only builders but those looking for a warm, sustainable home.

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"Whilst they do not take account of the launch of the Scottish and UK Governments' Help to Buy initiatives given the timelag, they highlight a decreasing supply of housing and the record low base from which the industry must recover.

"Indeed, overall completions have fallen by over 40 per cent since 2007 with the private sector having to contend with a staggering drop of more than half at 54 per cent."

Mr Hogg continued: "With consumer confidence and demand both increasing, it is essential that the Scottish Government acts further to address barriers to housing output which include the funding of infrastructure, access to development finance (particularly for smaller builders), land supply and shortages in skills and materials.

"This will help ensure Scots have access to a full range of quality housing options, enabling our industry to create jobs and make a major contribution to wider economic recovery."

(JP/IT)