MORE affordable homes have been built in Scotland per head of population than in England and Wales since 2007, fresh statistics show.
The number of affordable homes completed in the last year in Scotland is the highest annual figure since 2000.
Almost 11,000 homes were delivered in the year to the end of June, according to quarterly data from the Scottish Government.
Since 2007, Scotland has seen over 40% more affordable homes built per head of population than in England and over 70% more than in Wales.
Ministers are aiming to deliver 110,000 by 2032, with 70% for social rent and 10% in rural and island communities.
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Housing Minister Paul McLennan said the achievement was commendable considering the fact a hard Brexit had caused construction costs to rise as well as workforce problems.
He said: “The combined challenges caused by a hard Brexit and economic mismanagement by the UK Government have triggered various issues including the rising cost of construction supplies and workforce challenges.
“The housing sector has done incredible work to deliver homes in these circumstances and we will continue working with partners to mitigate these impacts. We are also making £3.5 billion available in this parliamentary term, towards the delivery of more affordable and social homes.
“We have already delivered 13,354 homes towards our next target of 110,000 affordable homes in Scotland by 2032.”
The 1780 affordable homes completed in the latest quarter April to June 2023 brings the total number of affordable homes completed in the 12 months to end of June 2023 to 10,757, an increase of 12% on the previous year.
There were increases in the number of affordable homes completed for social rent by 8% (604 homes), other affordable rent by 46% (500 homes), and affordable home ownership completions by 9% (84 homes).
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