The Scottish Government has agreed to increase funding for Scotland's housing industry by £200m.

The additional investment will help to deliver thousands of new affordable homes as well as safeguard construction jobs throughout the province.

The boost in next year's housing supply budget is predicted to support at least 6,500 jobs and bring in significant private investment.

It is understood Housing Minister Margaret Burgess will meet with housing leaders today, encouraging them to work with the Scottish Government – and each other – to form a five-year joint delivery plan for housing.

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A breakdown of the £200m funding allocation will be unveiled shortly.

Minister Burgess commented: "We want to make sure that everyone in Scotland has access to good quality housing that meets their needs.

"Providing social rented homes, safeguarding jobs, helping to finance infrastructure, and supporting the construction industry to build for both private and public markets is a top priority for the Scottish Government.

"We are taking action to increase the supply of affordable housing – in fact we have boosted housing supply budgets by investing £1.7 billion in affordable housing over the lifetime of this Parliament."

(JP/CD)