Commenting on the Shelter Scotland figures showing that the number of Council and Housing Association homes for rent in Scotland is at its lowest for 50 years, Liberal Democrat Housing spokesperson Jamie Stone MSP said:

"This report from Shelter Scotland reveals the truth behind the SNP spin on housing. While Ministers boast about record investment, the number of affordable homes for rent has fallen to its lowest number in half a century.

"We also know that Ministers failed to use all of the money from Westminster, earmarked for housing, to invest in improving our affordable housing stock.

"At a time of economic recession people should not feel pressured into buying a home. What they need is quality and choice in Scotland's affordable rented housing sector.

"Boosting Scotland's housing supply would not only make real progress towards meeting the 2012 homelessness target it would also provide much needed support for Scotland's construction industry.

"The SNP must ditch the spin and take real action to boost affordable housing across Scotland."

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