The number of affordable houses completed in Scotland last year reached an eight year high.

Updated housing statistics have been released today by Scotland's Chief Statistician. A total of 6,221 houses for rent and low cost home ownership were completed in 2008-09, the highest annual figure in 8 years.

The figure is 29% more than achieved in 2006-07, under the previous administration.

336 council homes were completed during 2008-2009, compared to just six during the previous administrations time in office.

The Scottish Government has accelerated £80m from the affordable housing budget this financial year to support the provision of affordable housing, stimulate activity and create jobs.

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In addition, £50m has been allocated to support a new generation of council house building, the first central government funding to encourage local authorities to build new housing in 30 years.

Minister for Housing and Communities Alex Neil said: "At a time when private housing completions are declining, it is encouraging to see that new affordable housing provision is at its highest level since 2001.

"This year the Government plans to approve grants for a record breaking 8,100 affordable homes, backed by £644m from the Scottish Government's Affordable Housing Investment Programme."

Minister Neil said it is disappointing that the level of private new build starts has continued to fall sharply in comparison with previous years.

"However, the industry is resilient and we are doing all we can to support it, including the acceleration of our affordable housing programme and £50m for support for new council houses," he said.

The Scottish Government has already allocated nearly £17m to 14 councils to start building over 970 new, affordable homes in 2009-10. Work is currently underway to allocate the remaining £8m from the first round of funding.

(GK/JM)