The Scottish Government has announced a significant increase in funding for affordable housing. The £768 million allocated to the Affordable Housing Supply Programme represents a £211 million boost compared to last year's budget.

The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) has welcomed the additional funding, which will help to address Scotland's housing crisis. However, the organisation has urged the government to provide long-term funding certainty for housing associations.

By committing to multi-year funding, the government can enable housing associations to plan and deliver affordable housing projects with greater confidence. This will help to ensure a stable supply of affordable homes for years to come.

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SFHA Chief Executive Sally Thomas said: "Whilst no single Budget was ever going to be enough to end the housing emergency, it is hugely welcome that the Scottish Government has listened to SFHA and reversed last year's hammer-blow cut. As the Cabinet Secretary herself set out, having a warm, safe and affordable home is critical to eradicating child poverty.

"But beyond a one-year settlement, we hope this marks a much-needed reset on the Scottish Government's approach to social housing. We look forward to working constructively with them to explore how they can provide a multi-year funding settlement for housing following the UK Government's Spending Review next year.

"It's only with sustained public investment that Scotland can benefit from the full potential of our housing associations to tackle the record levels of homelessness, reduce poverty, boost economic growth, and chart a roadmap out of our housing emergency."

Funding was also increased for the aids and adaptations budget after sustained campaigning from SFHA calling for an uplift to the budget.