The Minister for Housing and Communities, Alex Neil, heard the case for more Government funding for social housing when he met North Ayrshire councillors and officers recently.

The minister was told that there is a significant shortfall between demand and supply in the area. The four main social housing providers had reduced homelessness by 30% and delivered 260 new homes.

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Government funding had already enabled the Council to begin building 23 new homes in Irvine's Castlepark.

However, 5,246 applicants were seeking rented homes.

Councillor Tom Barr, executive member, environment, said that a significant increase in the Scottish Government's budget was needed to meet demand and address the problem of reduced stocks caused by the right to buy.

Councillor Leader David O'Neill said that the meeting was positive and there had been a useful exchange of information.

(GK/JM)