New statistics have revealed the number of social sector homes built ahead of the Scottish Government's schedule.

A total of 30,133 homes have been completed, 133 more than the 30,000 target.

The publication also revealed the number of social sector homes completed in the past year has increased by 10%.

A total of 895 social sector homes have been built from July to September this year, a 23% increase from the same quarter last year.

The total number of social sector completions over the past year is 3,879 'affordable' homes, a 10% increase from 2014.

However, while private sector led completions dropped 4% in the year end to June 2015, private sector led starts increased 7% between April and June this year compared to 2014.

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Overall, the total number of social sector homes for the year end to June 2015 is 12,520, 550 more than last year.

Social rented completions between April 2011 and end October 2015 has totalled at 20,400, exceeding the target by 400 homes, while the number of council house completions has reached 5,292, exceeding the target by 292 homes.

Housing Minister Margaret Burgess said: "Housing is a key priority for this government, and these statistics show we have exceeded our target to deliver 30,000 affordable homes.

"I'm pleased to see an increase in the number of social sector homes completed in the past year and that private sector starts are also up on last year's figures.

"High quality, energy efficient, affordable homes form the cornerstone of socially and economically sustainable communities. We have worked hard with the housing sector to deliver these homes as well as develop innovative funding initiatives, such as government guarantees, loans, grant recycling and new sources of private funding, to help both buyers and developers."

(LM/CD)