Reacting to the Cabinet Secretary for Housing's announcement on tackling the housing emergency, SFHA Chief Executive Sally Thomas said: “It is greatly welcome that the Cabinet Secretary has listened to SFHA and announced a four-year commitment for Scotland’s housing budget, and we now need further details on how much of this £4.9billion commitment is public money and will be for affordable rented homes.

“As SFHA’s research this morning makes clear, Scotland must build over 15,000 social and affordable homes per year to meet housing need which will require at least £8.2billion in public funding over the next parliament.

“We trust further details of this funding commitment will be set out in the Scottish Budget.  In terms of immediate steps, removing the threat of rent controls from Mid-Market Rent homes is welcome. This has followed sustained pressure from SFHA as housing associations have repeatedly made clear that rent controls make these developments unviable.

“Increased funding for homeless prevention is another sensible measure and housing associations look forward to building on their proud record of tackling homelessness through delivering secure, warm and affordable homes.”