Industry body Homes for Scotland (HfS) has stated an increase in Scotland's 'affordable' housing supply is obscuring the decline of its private homes sector.

Scottish Government statistics published today, 14 June revealed 33,490 homes have been delivered since the start of the last Parliamentary term.

However, HfS said the figures masks the decline in private sector output in 2015.

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Chief Executive Nicola Barclay added that while any increase in housing supply is welcomed, the statistics indicate both private sector-led starts and completions are down on previous quarters.

"With Scotland's growing population having a diverse range of housing needs and aspirations, it is crucial that we recognise that affordable housing delivery, by its very nature, only meets the needs and demands of a certain proportion of the population," she said.

"A healthy private sector is also essential given the contribution it makes to providing homes for people at other stages of their housing journey, creating a vibrant housing ladder. So we must see an increase in supply across all tenures if we are to realise the far-reaching and full benefits that home building can bring all those living in our communities -  be that social, economic or environmental."

(LM)