Scottish Housing Minister Margaret Burgess has pledged to build 50,000 new homes over the next five years.

A total of £3bn is to be invested in the affordable housing programme.

Previously, the Scottish Government announced it had exceeded its existing five-year target to deliver 30,000 affordable homes.

The new target is a 67% increase in affordable housing supply, with 70% of the new target being for social rent.

It is understood the new properties will create approximately 20,000 jobs per year, generating over £10bn towards the economy.

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Speaking during a housing debate in the Scottish Parliament, Mrs Burgess said: "We have a good record on housing. In this parliament, we had a target of building 30,000 affordable homes and have exceeded that.

"We also started a new generation of council house building and taken steps to safeguard social housing for the future by abolishing the right to buy.

"A key commitment is to increase the supply of affordable homes still further. Our target will be to deliver at least 50,000 affordable homes, which will be backed by at least £3 billion of investment.

"Housing is a key priority for this government and is fundamental to tackling poverty. We are determined to work with the entire housing sector to ensure that we deliver more quality affordable homes that people and our communities need."

(LM/JP)