The Scottish Government has confirmed almost 800 affordable homes for rent have been delivered through the National Housing Trust (NHT) initiative over the last three years.

The government added that an additional 850 NHT homes have received approval through the original – and subsequent – versions of the initiative.

With support from the Scottish Futures Trust, the pilot NHT model was developed for councils and developers. They were able to jointly fund the purchase of newly-built homes, which are then made available for rent at below market rates.

The money borrowed by councils to help fund the purchase of NHT homes in their respective areas, is underwritten by the Scottish Government.

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Commenting on the success of the scheme, Housing Minister Margaret Burgess said: "NHT was the first guarantee-based model for housing in the UK. It broke new ground and is easing housing pressures locally whilst supporting jobs in the construction industry and wider economy.

"The initiative is well on track to deliver over 2,000 much-needed new homes in communities across the country, all without the need for grant subsidy.

"The Scottish Government is doing everything possible to maximise our investment in housing and deliver our target of 30,000 new, affordable homes over the lifetime of this Parliament."

Christa Reekie, commercial director at Scottish Futures Trust, added: "The NHT programme has created a new and successful way to deliver affordable rent housing and key to its continued success is the unique partnerships that are being created among SFT, councils and house builders.

"The real and tangible value of the programme for the Scottish Futures Trust is that hundreds of people are now living in quality, affordable-rent homes and the construction of those homes provides work not only for larger house builders but also for SMEs."

(JP)