Commenting on figures from Shelter Scotland showing that 8 out of 10 people believe that providing more affordable homes for rent should be a top priority in the next Scottish Budget, Liberal Democrat Housing spokesperson Jamie Stone MSP said:

"These figures should act as a wake-up call to SNP Ministers.

"They show just how important it is for Ministers to focus on boosting the number of affordable homes for rent in Scotland.

"People are fed up with SNP spin and boasting about record investment in housing. On the SNP's watch the number of affordable homes for rent has fallen to its lowest number in half a century.

"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."

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