Housing statistics released by the Scottish Government today show a 9% drop in the number of houses completed last year, alongside a 24% drop in the number of affordable houses completed last year.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Housing spokesman Jamie Stone MSP said:

“This is seriously bad news for people struggling to get on the housing ladder.

“Tough economic times are hitting the building and construction trade hard.

“SNP measures to support the building industry in their time of need are simply not working.

“Liberal Democrats want to make it worthwhile for the industry to renovate some of Scotland’s 70,000 empty homes.

“We want to build more affordable housing in rural areas, by allowing communities to use public land for housing trusts.”