New statistics published today (27 May) show that the Scottish Government remains on track to deliver 30,000 new affordable homes by 2016.

The figures, which have been released by Scotland's Chief Statistician, found 7,012 affordable homes have been delivered over the last year, while 19,900 homes have been delivered through the Affordable Housing Supply Programme since 2011.

In the year to March 2014, the number of homes completed and delivered through the programme increased by 17%, while approvals rose by 43%.

Elsewhere, in the final quarter of 2013, some 3,046 private sector new builds were completed.

This is the first time in four years where the quarterly figure has been above 3,000, the report said.

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Welcoming the latest figures, Housing Minister Margaret Burgess said: "These statistics show that our commitment to increasing the supply of affordable homes in Scotland is paying off and I am delighted to say we are well on track to deliver our target of 30,000 affordable homes during the lifetime of this Parliament.

"But we cannot rest on our laurels. The supply of affordable housing continues to be a high priority for us and we are working with the entire housing sector to increase the supply of affordable homes and deliver vital support for construction and house building companies throughout Scotland.

"And to back this up we are investing over £1.35 billion in affordable housing in the four years to March 2016."

She added: "It is also encouraging to see that the number of private sector led completions has risen for the second year in succession and the quarterly figure is the highest for four years. I hope to see that positive trend continue, supported in particular by the further boost we expect to see from Help to Buy (Scotland).

"Our £275 million investment in Help to Buy will bring much needed economic growth to Scotland by supporting our housing industry and creating employment opportunities."

(JP/IT)