Nearly half of homes in Scotland have issues with weather-tightness and structural stability, according to new figures.

The latest Scottish House Condition Survey reveals 48% of homes across the country have "disrepair to critical elements".

Scottish Green MSP, Andy Wightman, said it is "simply unacceptable" that these homes "have disrepair to critical elements that further cause fuel poverty".

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"At this time of year we are all aware of the importance of keeping warm at home," he said.

"Whilst we welcome the fact that overall fuel poverty rates have declined in Scotland, we must keep in mind the complex factors that contribute to fuel poverty in the first place."

Mr Wightman has now called on the Government to invest 70% of capital spend on low-carbon infrastructure projects to help tackle climate change. Low-carbon infrastructure schemes include energy efficient housing and sustainable transport.

"We need to take action fast and I'm calling on the Scottish Government to invest 70 per cent of its infrastructure budget in low carbon projects to make homes warm and watertight while also cutting greenhouse gas emissions," he concluded.

(LM)