SOCIAL HOUSING WORST SINCE THATCHER

Councils call emergency with 10,000 children stuck in temporary properties | Critics pan government excuses of Brexit, inflation and Westminster

- PAUL HUTCHEON

SHOCK figures have revealed association housing new-builds have slumped to their lowest level since Margaret Thatcher was in power.

The number of new affordable homes being put up also fell by a massive 20 per cent in 2023.

The SNP-led government has been widely criticised for slashing nearly £200million from affordable housing funds in its last Budget.

Now stats show the decline in house building across the private and social sectors, with 20,992 new-build home completions down 11 per cent on the previous year.

Housing association new builds 2073 homes started construction in 2023 - were at the lowest number since Tory Thatcher was in No 10 in 1988.

The Scottish Government has now been urged to make new affordable homes a top priority as housing shortages have sparked a homelessness crisis with 10,000 children forced to live in temporary accommodation.

And housing associations have warned that new-build homes for affordable rent are in "freefall".

Sally Thomas, chief executive of the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations said: "Scotland desperately needs the homes that housing associations provide.

"They are safe, warm and affordable homes for rent.