New figures have revealed more than 70,000 'affordable' homes have been built in Scotland over the last 10 years.

The latest national housing statistics reveal since 2007, a total of 48,813 homes for social rent have been delivered, including 8,819 council homes, as well as 4,936 for 'affordable' rent and 17,112 for 'affordable' home ownership.

Overall, there were 19,598 new build homes started across all sectors for the year ending June 2017 - 2,188 homes (13%) more than the previous year.

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Speaking during a visit to an 'affordable' housing development in Edinburgh, Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said: "Making sure everyone has a safe, warm and affordable home is central to this Government's drive for a fairer and more prosperous Scotland.

"We are determined to accelerate housing supply for communities across Scotland and I am delighted to announce more than 70,000 affordable homes have been delivered to date, including 48,813 homes for social rent.

"I am confident that we will continue to increase affordable housing across Scotland with our ambitious target to deliver 50,000 homes during the lifetime of this Parliament, backed by £3 billion of investment."

(LM)