Scotland's home builders have warned Ministers against complacency after further scrutiny of new housing figures "shows serious systemic issues which appear to be being downplayed".

Newly released data revealed a 30% rise in 'affordable' housing approvals over the year to the end June 2017, bringing the total number of approvals over the year to 10,612.

However, with only a 1% increase (251 units) in the number of new homes completed in 2016/17, Chief Executive of Homes for Scotland Nicola Barclay said the additional housing "doesn't even begin to address the scale of Scotland's housing crisis".

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"Whilst affordable housing starts might be up, private sector numbers are down by nine per cent at their lowest level in three years," she said.

"This is extremely worrying, not just in terms of its impact on the majority of Scots who aspire to own their homes but also in terms of the consequences for jobs, investment and economic growth.

"Unless there is a considered look at the big picture, the inter-dependences between sectors fully recognised and a whole system approach adopted, there must be serious doubt about the achievability of any party's housing targets.

"The Housing Minister states that he stands ready to discuss solutions to stimulate private sector growth. These latest figures underline that now is the time for action if we are to safeguard our country's social well-being and future prosperity."

(LM/MH)